Kraft and Heinz Complete Merger

The Kraft Heinz Company has announced the successful completion of the merger between Kraft and Heinz. The transaction creates the third-largest food and beverage company in North America and the fifth-largest food and beverage company in the world with an unparalleled portfolio of iconic brands.

The complementary nature of the two brand portfolios presents substantial opportunity for synergies, which will result in increased investments in marketing and innovation, the company said in its press release, adding, “This historic transaction unites two powerful businesses and iconic brands, and provides a platform for leadership in the food industry both domestically and internationally.”

The Kraft Heinz Company’s Board of Directors is comprised of the following 11 directors: Alex Behring (who will serve as Chairman of the Board), Gregory Abel, Tracy Britt Cool, Warren Buffett, John T. Cahill (who will serve as Vice Chairman of the Board), L. Kevin Cox, Jeanne P. Jackson, Jorge Paulo Lemann, Mackey J. McDonald, John C. Pope, and Marcel Telles. Bernardo Hees is Chief Executive Officer of The Kraft Heinz Company.

The rest of the Kraft Heinz Company senior leadership team was announced on June 29, 2015.

Effective as of the close of trading July 2, 2015, Kraft Foods Group, Inc. common shares will cease trading on the NASDAQ. The Kraft Heinz Company common shares began trading on the NASDAQ under the trading symbol KHC on Monday, July 6, 2015.

The company’s immediate focus is on integrating the two businesses and establishing a new organizational structure, while delivering its financial objectives for 2015.