HERSHEY, Pa., Oct. 17, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) today announced that it has finalized the acquisition of Pirate Brands from B&G Foods, Inc., including the Pirate’s Booty, Smart Puffs and Original Tingsbrands, for a purchase price of $420 million, or approximately $360 million net of tax benefits.

“We are thrilled to have the fast-growing Pirate’s Booty brand as part of the Hershey product portfolio,” said Mary Beth West, Chief Growth Officer, The Hershey Company. “More and more consumers are seeking great-tasting snacks with clean labels and no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, and Pirate’s Booty fits this need. We are looking forward to growing the full Pirate Brands portfolio in the years to come.”

About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company, headquartered in Hershey, Pa., is an industry-leading snacks company known for bringing goodness to the world through its iconic brands, remarkable people and enduring commitment to help children succeed. Hershey has approximately 17,000 employees around the world who work every day to deliver delicious, quality products. The company has more than 80 brands around the world that drive more than $7.5 billion in annual revenues, including such iconic brand names as Hershey’s, Reese’s, Kit Kat®, Jolly Rancher, Ice Breakers and SkinnyPop.

For more than 120 years, Hershey has been committed to operating fairly, ethically and sustainably. Hershey founder, Milton Hershey, created the Milton Hershey School in 1909 and since then the company has focused on helping children succeed. To learn more visit www.thehersheycompany.com