Flowers Foods announces completion of acquisition of Sara Lee and Earthgrain brands for sliced breads, buns and rolls in California from Grupo Bimbo subsidiary BBU

Nevin Barich

THOMASVILLE, Georgia , February 25, 2013 (press release) – Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE: FLO) today announced the completion of its acquisition of the perpetual, exclusive, and royalty-free licenses to the Sara Lee and Earthgrains brands for sliced breads, buns, and rolls in the state of California from BBU, Inc., a subsidiary of Grupo Bimbo S.A.B. de C.V. Financial terms of the transaction was not disclosed.

On October 26, 2012, Flowers announced that the United States Department of Justice had approved this agreement, along with a separate one for the acquisition of the perpetual, exclusive, and royalty-free license to the Earthgrains brand for fresh bakery products in the Oklahoma City, Okla., market area. The Oklahoma transaction was completed in 2012. Together with the California agreement, the brands generate approximately $134 million in annual sales.

"Our team has been working to ensure a smooth transition of these brands in California. Now that the transaction has closed, the rollout of Sara Lee and Earthgrains products on our distribution routes will begin immediately in Southern California and continue northward in phases over the coming months," said George E. Deese , Flowers Foods' chairman of the board and CEO.

This acquisition strengthens Flowers Foods' market presence in California, adding about 14.5 million people to the 70% of the U.S. population that currently has access to its fresh breads and rolls.

Company Information

Headquartered in Thomasville, Ga., Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE: FLO) is one of the largest producers of packaged bakery foods for retail and foodservice customers in the United States with 2012 sales of $3.05 billion. Flowers operates 44 bakeries that produce a wide range of bakery products. Among the company's top brands are Nature's Own and Tastykake. For more information, visit www.flowersfoods.com.

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