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Hedge Fund Opposes Kraft Heinz’s Campbell’s Bid

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Unhappy with its large position in Kraft Heinz, Czech Republic-based hedge fund Krupa Global Investments is threatening to wage a proxy fight over a possible Kraft Heinz bid for Campbell Soup Co.’s international business.

Kraft Heinz and Mondelez, along with private equity firms Bain Capital LP, KKR and FinTrek Capital Hong Kong Co., are reportedly the approved bidders for an auction that will see the winner gain Campbell’s Australian cookie brand Arnott’s and its Danish baked-snacks maker Kelsen Group.

“This auction process may be great for Dan Loeb and Campbell’s Soup but it does nothing for Kraft Heinz and its shareholders,” said KGI Chairman Pavol Krupa in a statement. “Campbell’s Soup is selling its international assets for a reason thus we are concerned that these assets could be a drain on Kraft Heinz’s profitability and add to its debt. We strongly oppose Kraft Heinz’s participation in this auction and will organize a strong campaign against it if necessary.”

KGI has been campaigning for an $80/share buyout of public investors by Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway.

KGI cites a recent piece by Daniel Thurecht in Seeking Alpha backing up KGI’s $80/share valuation published on November 20, 2018 and a piece by Lauren Hirsch in CNBC underscoring the benefits of large legacy consumer companies going private published on October 27, 2018.

“We do not believe Warren Buffett wants his career tarnished by the embarrassment of losing Kraft Heinz investors 40 percent of their investments from 2015 prices. We are liaising with Kraft Heinz management, 3G Capital and Berkshire Hathaway to figure out a constructive solution that will benefit Berkshire Hathaway, 3G, Kraft Heinz shareholders, and the Kraft Heinz brand. We believe such a resolution is possible and will not rest until one is achieved,” added Krupa.

© 2018 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.