Flavors Holdings Inc. Acquires Merisant Company

NEW YORK, Oct. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Flavors Holdings Inc. ("Flavors"), the parent of Mafco Worldwide Corporation ("Mafco"), a manufacturer of licorice extract and related derivatives, announced today that it has acquired Merisant Company ("Merisant"), a manufacturer and marketer of several of the world's leading tabletop sweeteners, including Equal, Canderel and Pure Via.  Flavors acquired Merisant from its shareholders, including private investment funds managed by Wayzata Investment Partners LLC ("Wayzata"), Merisant's majority shareholder.  Flavors is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc.

"We are very excited about this acquisition, as Merisant's reputation and offerings in the tabletop sweetener industry will complement Flavors' already significant presence in the ingredients business," said Paul Meister, President of MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc.

Paul Block, CEO of Merisant, said, "We look forward to the many opportunities this combination will bring for Merisant and its employees, and look forward to the combined company's continued growth and success."

About Flavors Holdings Inc.

Flavors is a holding company that is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc.  Flavors is now the parent entity of both Merisant and Mafco. 

About Merisant Company

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Merisant is one of the world's leading manufacturers of tabletop sweeteners. Merisant markets its sweeteners under its flagship brands Equal, Canderel and Pure Via, an all-natural sweetener, along with several other brands in more than 90 countries.

About Mafco Worldwide Corporation

Mafco, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Flavors Holdings Inc., is a world leader in quality licorice products and specializes in manufacturing licorice extract and related derivatives for use as an enhancer, modifier and moistening agent in various consumer products. Mafco's primary brand of sweetening and flavor extending products is Magnasweet.

About Wayzata Investment Partners LLC

Based in Wayzata, Minnesota, Wayzata Investment Partners LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser to private investment funds.  www.wayzatainvestmentpartners.com  

About MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc.

MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc. is a private diversified holding company with interests in consumer products, transactional and marketing services, defense, education, entertainment, gaming, biotechnology and other industries.

SOURCE MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc.