Kraft And Heinz To Merge In Deal To Create Company With Revenue Of $28 Billion

Kraft Foods Group Inc. and H.J. Heinz Co. on Wednesday announced that they will merge to create The Kraft Heinz Co. The combined entity will be the third largest food and beverage company in North America. Under terms of the deal, unanimously agreed by both boards of directors, Kraft shareholders will own a 49% stake in the company, and get a special cash dividend of $16.50 per share. Current Heinz shareholders will own a 51% stake. The aggregate special dividend payment of around $10 billion will be funded by an equity contribution from Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and 3G Capital, which owns Heinz. "This is my kind of transaction, uniting two world-class organizations and delivering shareholder value," said Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, in a statement. Kraft shares were up 13% after the announcement.