Heinz acquires Appetizers And, Inc.

23/03/05 H.J. Heinz Company has announced that its Foodservice Division has acquired Chicago-based Appetizers And, Inc. (AAI), a manufacturer and marketer of high-quality, upscale frozen hors d'oeuvres sold almost exclusively to the foodservice industry. Terms of the acquisition were not released.

Heinz's Foodservice Division, which represents approximately 42 percent of Heinz North America's overall sales, markets branded and customized products to national commercial and non-commercial food outlets and distributors. AAI brings to the Heinz Foodservice team an experienced, direct sales force that has nurtured a strong customer base and is committed to "solution selling." In addition, AAI has a long-standing reputation for creating and manufacturing its hors d'oeuvres with culinary expertise and flair.

AAI was founded in Chicago in 1967 and has grown into a national leader in its growing segment, serving as preferred or primary provider of frozen hors d'oeuvres and frozen canapes to leading hotel and foodservice customers. AAI employs 550 full-time and 60 temporary employees. Lincoln Partners LLC, a Chicago-based investment bank with expertise in food products and the foodservice industry, represented AAI in the transaction.

H.J. Heinz Company, offering "Good Food Every Day,"(TM) is one of the world's leading marketers and producers of branded foods in ketchup, condiments, sauces, meals, soups, seafood, snacks, and infant foods. Heinz satisfies hungry consumers in every outlet, from supermarkets, to restaurants to convenience stores and kiosks. Heinz is a global family of leading brands, including Heinz(R) Ketchup, Sauces, Soups, Beans, Pasta and Infant Foods (representing nearly one-third of total sales or close to $3 billion), Ore-Ida(R) french fries, Boston Market(R) and SmartOnes(R) meals, and Plasmon(R) baby food. Heinz's 50 companies have number-one or number- two brands in 200 countries, showcased by Heinz(R) Ketchup, the world's favorite ketchup(TM).

Heinz Foodservice is the leading manufacturer of condiments for the foodservice industry. In addition to America's Favorite Ketchup(TM), the Heinz Foodservice product line includes a wide array of condiments, sauces, canned soups, tomato products, frozen desserts and appetizers, vinegar and pickles. Heinz Foodservice also is the manufacturer of Truesoups, Todds, Chef Francisco Soups(R) and Quality Chef Soups and entrees, as well as Domani Italian Foods(R). Heinz Foodservice is the sales and marketing agent for Equal(R) Sweetener.

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