(Bhofack2/iStock/Getty Images)

J.M. Smucker to buy Twinkies maker Hostess in US$5.6 billion deal

'Very surprised (anyone) is paying this amount'

Reuters — J.M. Smucker on Monday agreed to buy Twinkies maker Hostess Brands for US$5.6 billion including debt in a deal that unites two major American snack makers. The deal was worth about $4.6 billion excluding debt, with Jif peanut butter maker Smucker paying Hostess shareholders $34.25 per share (all figures US$). The cash-and-stock offer

A freight train at Manchac, La., about 75 km east of Baton Rouge. (CN.ca)

Kansas City Southern accepts new CN bid over CP’s

CN offers to cover KCS's breakup fee with CP

Reuters — U.S. railway operator Kansas City Southern said Thursday it had accepted Canadian National Railway’s $33.6 billion acquisition offer, upending a $29 billion deal with its competitor Canadian Pacific Railway. The development, first reported by Reuters, gives CP five business days to make a new offer for Kansas City Southern. Were CP to table


Albaugh’s chemical plant at St. Joseph, Missouri. (AlbaughLLC.com)

Herbicide supplier Albaugh said to be exploring sale

Reuters — Albaugh LLC is exploring a sale that could value the privately held U.S. producer of agricultural crop protection chemicals at more than US$1.5 billion, including debt, according to people familiar with the matter. Albaugh, controlled by its 67-year-old founder Dennis Albaugh, is working with investment bank JPMorgan Chase and Co. to discuss a

(SunsetGrown.com)

Tomato producer Mastronardi said seeking buyer

Reuters — Mastronardi Produce, an Ontario grower and distributor of hothouse tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers, is exploring a sale it hopes could value it at as much as $900 million, including debt, according to people familiar with the matter. Privately-held Mastronardi has hired Bank of Montreal (BMO) to run an auction process, the people said