Conagra to Acquire Protein Snacks Firms Thanasi and BIGS

Expanding deeper into the protein-based snacks category, Conagra Brands Inc. announced plans Thursday to acquire BIGS LLC, the makers of BIGS pumpkin seed and sunflower seed snacks, and Thanasi Foods LLC, producer of Duke’s brand meat snacks.

The Chicago-based corporation, which owns the Slim Jim meat stick brand and DAVID seeds brand, did not disclose financial terms of the transaction.

“This is another exciting step in our ongoing efforts to reshape our portfolio to be more premium and modern,” a statement by Sean Connolly, president and chief executive officer of Conagra, said. “These on-trend brands extend our meat snacks and seeds businesses into faster-growing, more premium segments.”

Thanasi manufactures meat snack products like Duke’s Smoked Shorty Sausages and Duke’s Steak and Brisket Strips in small batches, using “quality ingredients and authentic hardwood smoke pairings,” a Conagra press release said.

Conagra said it expects the transaction to close in the summer of 2017, with Duke’s and BIGS brands set to continue operations out of Boulder, CO following the purchase.

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