Intersnack to take Utz private at $2.9B, splitting ownership with founding family
What's the deal? Germany's Intersnack GroupDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → will acquire all outstanding Class A shares of US salty-snack maker Utz BrandsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → for $14.25 per share in cash, an enterprise value of roughly $2.9 billion. The offer is a premium of about 91% over Utz's July 20, 2026 closing price. Once the deal closes, Utz will go private, owned 50% by Intersnack and 50% by the founding Rice and Lissette family.
Why now? A special committee of independent Utz directors was formed after Intersnack expressed interest in acquiring the company. The tie-up keeps the family involved while handing operational scale to a larger partner.
What's the endgame? Intersnack, founded in 1968 as a German potato chip producer, is now a leading snack manufacturer in Europe and Oceania but has no US presence. The deal gives it exposure to the large US snacking market and gives Utz access to Intersnack's marketing, manufacturing, and technology resources.
What they're saying: "Intersnack shares our vision for Utz, and their marketing, manufacturing, and technology capabilities will be invaluable," said Utz chief executive officer Howard Friedman. Intersnack executive chairman Johan van Winkel called it a chance to "help shape the future of snacking in North America."
What changes? Utz, which has made snacks for more than 100 years, will leave the New York Stock Exchange and maintain its commitment to its Hanover community. Board chairperson Dylan Lissette framed Intersnack as a "like-minded partner with similar family heritage."
The signal: The deal marks another cross-border consolidation move in the packaged-snacks sector, as European manufacturers seek footholds in the US market. For Intersnack, buying an established American brand is a faster route in than building from scratch — and the 50/50 family structure signals a bet on long-term brand-building over a quick flip.
Read more: finanznachrichten.de
Image credit: Generated with Gemini
