Hershey to acquire Dot’s Pretzels LLC and Pretzels Inc.

 

The deal involves the purchase of Dot’s Pretzels LLC, which owns the brand, and Pretzels Inc., a company that operates three manufacturing facilities and makes Dot’s Pretzels along with other products. The estimated aggregate net sales for the two companies were around USD 275 m for the twelve months ended Sept. 2021. According to the concern, Dot’s Pretzels are a perfect complement to Hershey’s growing salty snacking portfolio and would create an opportunity to reach new consumers in new occasions, advancing Hershey’s snacking powerhouse vision.

Dot’s Pretzels was founded by Dot Henke in North Dakota more than a decade ago, after her homemade pretzels became popular with her family, neighbours and friends. Ms. Henke built her business by holding to the highest quality standards, a tradition the company proudly continues today so that each bag of Dot’s Pretzels tastes as if it were made in Dot Henke’s home kitchen using her original secret formula.

“I created my pretzels to share with those people closest to me and have built the business with the idea of sharing them with everyone,” explains Dot Henke. “With Hershey behind this amazing brand, I am confident that anyone who would like to enjoy these deliciously bold pretzels will have the opportunity.”

Hershey also announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Pretzels Inc. from an affiliate of Peak Rock Capital, a private investment firm with numerous investments in the food and beverage industry. Pretzels Inc. is a co-manufacturer of pretzels for Dot's Pretzels and several other customers and is a leading innovator in the pretzel category. Based in Bluffton, Indiana, Pretzels Inc. operates three manufacturing locations in Indiana and Kansas.