SPRINGDALE, Ark., Jan. 20, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN ) acquired the assets of Bosco's Pizza Co. of Warren, Mich., both companies announced today. Bosco's Pizza, famous for "The Original Bosco Stick," produces a variety of stuffed bread sticks and frozen pizzas for food service and retail customers throughout the Midwest and at some retailers nationwide. Terms of the acquisition, which was completed January 18, were not disclosed.
"This is part of our company's strategic plan to grow our domestic prepared foods business," said Donnie King, Tyson Foods' president of prepared foods, customer and consumer solutions. "Bosco's will be a good addition to our diversified portfolio of quality food offerings."
Craig Mulhinch, vice president of Bosco's sales and marketing, and Paul Morgan, vice president of Bosco's operations, will continue to manage the day-to-day operations. The company employs about 150 people, all of whom are expected to become Tyson Foods team members. It will become part of Tyson Foods' Prepared Foods division, but continue to operate under the Bosco's Pizza Co. name. Customer contacts will not change.
"This is a great opportunity for the Bosco's brand," Mulhinch said. "We've put a lot of effort into creating high-quality products and Tyson Foods has recognized that. This deal will allow us to accelerate our growth while we continue to focus on the fundamentals of making excellent artisan bread products. We're excited about joining the Tyson team."
Entrepreneur Mark Artinian created Bosco's as a carry-out pizzeria in 1988 before he started delivering frozen pizzas to area high schools. In 1995, the company started producing frozen stuffed crust pizza, which soon led to stuffed bread sticks, the company's main product line today. Artinian will remain with the business in an advisory role.
"The Bosco's team built the business the right way," said Michael Turley, vice president of food service and government sales for Tyson Foods. "Those who know the Bosco's brand are more than customers – they're fans. Bosco's bread used to make its products is excellent, and the brand has a large regional following including those who remember eating Bosco Sticks at school."
Tyson Foods is the largest supplier of pepperoni and pizza toppings to the food service industry. Tyson Foods markets prepared foods products to retail grocers, food service distributors, restaurant operators and on-site food service establishments such as schools, universities, corporate cafeterias, hotel chains, healthcare facilities and the military.
In addition to "The Original Bosco Stick," the Bosco's Pizza plant produces partially baked frozen pizza made with traditional and whole grain crust, reduced-fat cheese Bosco Sticks, pepperoni Bosco Sticks and whole grain apple-filled Bosco Sticks in a variety of sizes and pack options. More information about Bosco's Pizza is available at BoscosPizza.com .
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About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN ), with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family has continued to be involved with son Don Tyson leading the company for many years and grandson John H. Tyson serving as the current Chairman of the Board of Directors. Tyson Foods produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. The company provides products and services to customers throughout the United States and approximately 130 countries. It has approximately 115,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
Forward Looking Statements
This release includes forward-looking statements as well as historical information. These forward-looking statements may include statements relating to anticipated sales growth and other benefits related to the described acquisition. Actual results may vary. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: consumer demand and perceptions; the availability of raw materials; customer requests and requirements; and the ability to compete in products and prices in a competitive industry.
Dan Fogleman 479-290-2166
