January 31, 2023
On January 31, it was announced that Willkie client Fresh Express Incorporated, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chiquita Holdings Limited, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Dole plc’s Fresh Vegetables Division for approximately $293 million.
The Fresh Vegetables Division comprises operations related to the processing and sale of whole produce, as well as salads and meal kits. In the financial year ended December 31, 2021, the Fresh Vegetables Division reported revenue of $1.28 billion. The business has agricultural operations and four processing plants across the U.S. and employs more than 3,000 people.
A global leader in fresh produce, Dole plc grows, markets, and distributes an extensive variety of fresh produce sourced locally and from around the world.
Chiquita Holdings Ltd is the parent of a group operating as a leading international marketer and distributor of (1) bananas and pineapples sold worldwide under the Chiquita® and other brand names and (2) vegetables and packaged salads sold primarily in the United States under the Fresh Express® and other brand names.
The Willkie team was led by partners Gregory Astrachan, Ziyad Aziz and Justin Sommerkamp.
