Berkshire and 3G Confirm Largest Food-Industry Acquisition Ever

Shares of H. J. Heinz Company (NYSE:HNZ) shot up nearly 20 percent on Thursday morning after the company behind the namesake ketchup brand confirmed that it would be acquired by 3G Capital and Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRKA)(NYSE:BRKB) in a transaction valued at $28 billion, the largest ever in the the food industry. Heinz shareholders will receive $72.50 in cash per common stock held, a 19 percent premium over the stock’s all-time high, as the company will be taken private.

“Heinz has strong, sustainable growth potential based on high quality standards, continuous innovation, excellent management and great tasting products,” commented Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. “Their global success is a testament to the power of investing behind strong brand equities and the strength of their management team and processes.”

Here’s a quick look at how Heinz has performed over the past few years. Earnings growth has moved back and forth, but has remained consistently strong. Revenues have climbed slowly and steadily since at least 2008, with an 8.8 percent jump in 2012.