Campbell Soup Company has signed a definitive agreement for the sale of Bolthouse Farms to an affiliate of Butterfly Equity, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm specializing in the food sector, for $510 million, subject to customary purchase price adjustments.
 
Upon the completion of the sale of Bolthouse Farms, which is expected by the end of fiscal 2019, Campbell will have divested its entire Campbell Fresh division. Campbell recently announced the sale of Garden Fresh Gourmet and the company’s Everett, WA, refrigerated soup plant. In fiscal year 2018, Campbell Fresh recorded net sales of $970 million. Proceeds from the divestiture of the Campbell Fresh businesses will allow the company to reduce debt by approximately $570 million. The transactions are not expected to impact the company’s fiscal 2019 guidance.
 
Mark Clouse, Campbell’s president and CEO, said, “The sale of Bolthouse Farms supports our strategy to focus on our two core North American businesses, Campbell Snacks and Campbell Meals and Beverages, where we have iconic brands and strong market positions.”
 
Acquired by Campbell in August 2012, Bolthouse Farms is a leading producer of organic beverages, dressings and carrots. Bolthouse Farms is based in Bakersfield and Santa Monica, CA, and operates facilities in Hodgkins, IL, Wheatley, Ontario and Prosser,
WA. The company has approximately 2,200 employees.
 
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. Campbell was advised by Centerview Partners, Goldman Sachs and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.
 
As outlined in August 2018 as part of its Board-led strategy and portfolio review, Campbell launched thorough divestiture processes for both its Campbell Fresh and Campbell International businesses. The process to divest Campbell International is ongoing.