Brea-based Ventura Foods LLC said it plans to buy two businesses from Dallas-based Dean Foods Co.
Ventura is set to pick up the Marie’s dressings and Dean’s dips units in the deal. The agreement calls for a long-term licensing deal that lets Ventura use the Dean’s trademark on the dips.
The deal still needs regulatory approval. Terms of the acquisition weren’t disclosed.
The buy boosts Ventura’s line of branded foods for the retail market, said Chief Executive Rick Mazer, who took over the company earlier this year.
“This acquisition also fits strategically with our established customer relationships, manufacturing capabilities and distribution channels,” he said.
Ventura makes shortenings, cooking oils, mayonnaise, dressings, sauces and other foods. Hidden Valley salad dressing is one of its top sellers.
Earlier this year Mazer said he plans to grow Ventura via developing products through research and development and by acquiring businesses.
The company is eyeing large business units of companies with national brands, he said.
The company has annual sales of $1.5 billion and employs 2,500 workers, including 200 in Brea. Customers include Burger King Corp., Wendy’s International Inc., Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Sysco Corp.
Ventura is a venture of Tokyo’s Mitsui & Co. and CHS Inc., of Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
Mazer, the company’s chief operating officer for eight years, replaced Jack Davis earlier this year. Davis retired after 40 years with the company.
