Tyson makes bid for Hillshire

Tyson Foods Inc. announced this week it wants to acquire The Hillshire Brands Company for $6.8 billion, or $50 per share, in cash. The Tyson proposal is an alternative to Hillshire’s previously announced agreement to acquire Pinnacle Foods Inc.
Tyson, parent company of Tyson Mexican Original of Portland, said the combination of Tyson and Hillshire would create a clear leader in the retail sale of prepared foods.
“We believe that there is a strong strategic, financial and operational rationale for the combination of Tyson and Hillshire,” Tyson Foods president and chief executive officer Donnie Smith said in a prepared statement. “Our proposal provides Hillshire shareholders with an immediate cash premium for their shares that we believe is both greater and more certain that what can be attained in the near term by the company either on a standalone basis or in combination with any other food processing company.”

IPO planned
Ardagh Group, which completed its acquisition of Verallia North America this spring and is now the parent of Dunkirk’s glass container plant, said this week that it would proceed with plans for an initial public offering of its stock in the second half of 2015.
The Irish Times reported Wednesday that Ardagh had originally planned an IPO in 2011 but shelved the idea.

Smitley at Huntington
Greg Smitley will step down as president and chief executive officer of BBB serving northern Indiana and has accepted a position with Huntington University, his alma mater.  Smitley was appointed to head of BBB, which serves 23 northern Indiana counties, in June. He will serve as vice president of finance/treasurer for Huntington University after stepping down from his current position June 9.

Roberts joins Schmit Chiropractic
Dr. Shaun Roberts, a 1999 graduate of Jay County High School, will be joining Schmit Chiropractic, Portland, after recently earning his chiropractic degree.
He is a Ball State University graduate and attended Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis.
He is currently working on a master’s degree in sports rehabilitation and has worked with professional, collegiate and high school athletes.
He specializes in spine and nervous system conditions and sports injuries, as well as family health and wellness care.[[In-content Ad]]