Aurora and Pinnacle to Combine Corporate Functions
ST. LOUIS - Aurora Foods Inc. today announced plans to combine operations with Pinnacle Foods Holding Corp. after Aurora's pending reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and its previously announced merger with Pinnacle.
To achieve cost savings and management and operating efficiencies, the new management team, headed by Pinnacle c.e.o. C. Dean Metropolous, plans to consolidate the combined company's corporate functions at Pinnacle's headquarters in Mountain Lakes, N.J. and Cherry Hill, N.J., shutting down the Aurora facilities in St. Louis. Aurora's plant operations in Erie, Pa.; Jackson, Tenn.; Matoon, Ill.; and St. Elmo, Ill. will continue to operate after the merger, with employment levels mostly unchanged from current levels.
As part of the consolidation, most of Aurora's St. Louis employees will be terminated and will receive severance payments based on contractual obligations or length of service.
Aurora Foods Inc. produces and markets such leading food brands as Duncan Hines baking mixes; Log Cabin; Mrs. Butterworth's and Country Kitchen syrups; Lender's bagels; Van de Kamp's and Mrs. Paul's frozen seafood; Aunt Jemima frozen breakfast products; Celeste frozen pizza; and Chef's Choice skillet meals.
To achieve cost savings and management and operating efficiencies, the new management team, headed by Pinnacle c.e.o. C. Dean Metropolous, plans to consolidate the combined company's corporate functions at Pinnacle's headquarters in Mountain Lakes, N.J. and Cherry Hill, N.J., shutting down the Aurora facilities in St. Louis. Aurora's plant operations in Erie, Pa.; Jackson, Tenn.; Matoon, Ill.; and St. Elmo, Ill. will continue to operate after the merger, with employment levels mostly unchanged from current levels.
As part of the consolidation, most of Aurora's St. Louis employees will be terminated and will receive severance payments based on contractual obligations or length of service.
Aurora Foods Inc. produces and markets such leading food brands as Duncan Hines baking mixes; Log Cabin; Mrs. Butterworth's and Country Kitchen syrups; Lender's bagels; Van de Kamp's and Mrs. Paul's frozen seafood; Aunt Jemima frozen breakfast products; Celeste frozen pizza; and Chef's Choice skillet meals.