Decision Summary - PepsiCo New Zealand Holdings

Decision number 200710006
Application number 200610003/200620157
Date 19 January 2007
Offeror/applicant PepsiCo New Zealand Holdings
Ultimate applicant beneficial ownership 100 percent - United States of America, Pepsico, Inc.
Beneficial overseas ownership  
- Asset current N/A
- Asset proposed N/A
- Share current 41.05 percent
- Share proposed 100 percent
Offeree(s)/seller(s) Burns, Philp and Company Limited
53.73 percent - New Zealand, Hart (Graeme Richard)
40.79 percent - Australia, Australian Public
5.22 percent - New Zealand, New Zealand Public
0.26 percent - Various, Various overseas persons
Business activities Manufacturing - Food
Details of land involved None
Regions involved Various
Total consideration $245,000,000
Consent sought To acquire up to 100 percent of the shares of Bluebird Foods Limited.
Rationale The application has been approved as it met the criteria.

The Overseas Investment Office is satisfied that the individuals with control of the Applicant collectively have business experience and acumen relevant to the overseas investment, and that the Applicant has demonstrated financial commitment towards the overseas investment. The Overseas Investment Office is further satisfied that each individual that exercises control over the Applicant is of good character and is not an individual of the kind referred to in section 7(1) of the Immigration Act 1987.

The Applicant's ultimate parent is PepsiCo, Inc. a leading global manufacturer, marketer and seller of savoury snack foods operating in over 200 countries. The Applicant is the successful bidder in a sales process to acquire 100 percent of the shares in Bluebird Foods Limited (Bluebird). The proposed acquisition will result in the Applicant acquiring the savoury snacks and wrapped snacks (including muesli bars) business owned by Bluebird. Bluebird is an attractive acquisition opportunity for the Applicant as Bluebird is a market leader across categories that are a core international business competency of the Applicant. The Applicant does not currently have a physical business presence in New Zealand.
Contact Robert Bycroft/Kelly McFadzien
Chapman Tripp
PO Box 2206
AUCKLAND

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