Hormel Foods to Buy Brakebush Brothers for $1.055 Billion
The packaged-foods company said the value-added chicken producer will expand its Foodservice platform and deepen operator relationships.
Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL) agreed to acquire Brakebush Brothers, LLC, a value-added chicken producer, for approximately $1.055 billion. The packaged-foods company said the deal advances its strategy of investing in growing protein categories and is expected to close during the first quarter of Hormel Foods’ fiscal 2027, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval.
The company said the purchase will meaningfully expand its position in value-added chicken and is expected to strengthen its leading Foodservice platform through enhanced operator relationships, category expertise and an expanded direct sales organization.
“Brakebush is a highly respected leader in value-added chicken and has earned the trust of customers for more than 100 years through innovation, quality and exceptional relationships,” said Jeff Ettinger, interim chief executive officer. “The company's talented team, strong culture and differentiated capabilities make it an excellent fit for Hormel Foods.”
Hormel Foods did not disclose whether the transaction is cash, stock or a mix, nor a per-share price, a premium or an exchange ratio. Brakebush Brothers is not a listed company, so no public-market premium was stated in the release.
The company framed the deal as a step in its protein-category build rather than a one-off brand add. Management pointed to operator relationships, category expertise and a larger direct sales organization as the levers that would lift the Foodservice platform after closing.
Closing remains subject to customary conditions and regulatory approval. Hormel Foods said it expects the transaction to complete in the first quarter of fiscal 2027.