03 Jul 2014 --- Tyson Foods is reported to have signed a definitive deal to acquire Hillshire Brands for more than $7.7bn, just two days after Hillshire was excused from its agreement to buy Pinnacle Foods. Hillshire, which makes Jimmy Dean sausages and Ball Park hot dogs, agreed to buy Pinnacle for $4.23bn in May this year but later retracted this offer when Tyson made an offer for the company.