McCormick to Acquire Thai Kitchen and Simply Asia Brands

09/06/06 McCormick & Company, Incorporated today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to purchase the assets of Epicurean International for $97 million in cash.

-- Epicurean International develops, imports and markets a line of authentic Asian products under the Thai Kitchen(R) and Simply Asia(R) brands.

-- Annual sales of this business are approximately $50 million and have grown at a 32% compound annual rate since 2002.

-- The acquisition is expected to be accretive to earnings and support the Company's 8-10% earnings per share growth objective.

Founded in 1989, Epicurean International is an independently owned company which provides authentic, easy-to-prepare Asian foods. Its primary products include noodle and soup bowls, meal kits, coconut milk, and various sauces and pastes. Thai Kitchen(R) is the leading brand in the Thai food category. Introduced in 2002, the Simply Asia(R) brand expands beyond Thai cuisine and with 40 products expands the product offerings to more than 100 items. With distribution in grocery stores, natural food stores, mass merchandisers, drug stores and warehouse clubs, sales have grown at a 32% compound annual growth rate since 2002.

The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings.

The purchase price of $97 million is a multiple of approximately 11 times 2005 EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) and will be financed through cash from operations and short-term credit facilities. McCormick expects to complete the purchase subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Robert J. Lawless, Chairman, President & CEO of McCormick, stated, "A key avenue for growth at McCormick is the acquisition of leading value-added brands in high growth categories. We seek acquisitions that complement our established leadership in the development and marketing of flavors for food, with particular interest in specialty and ethnic food businesses. The acquisition of the Epicurean International assets fits squarely within this strategy. The management and employees of this business have built a rapidly growing line of on-trend, high-quality products. We look forward to working with this team to further expand the in-store penetration and consumer awareness of these products both in the U.S. and in certain international markets."