Dole Food is in "advanced negotiations" with Japanese trading company, Itochu for the possible sale of its packaged foods and Asia fresh businesses. In a statement released yesterday (13 Sept) the global fresh produce company said that no definitive agreements have been signed at this time and it is in discussions with other parties about selling these and other assets.
Shares in the world’s largest fruit and vegetable company have jumped almost 10 per cent since the announcement.
If the deal goes ahead, Itochu will set up a new company in November to acquire the two Dole business segments. It has been rumoured that the Japanese company could pay up to $1.7 billion for the Dole businesses.
Dole’s packaged foods business includes canned pineapple and pineapple juice, fruit juice concentrate and frozen fruit. (14 Sept)
© 2012 - ESM: European Supermarket