Nestle to acquire Ralston Purina

Alex Coolman

GLENDALE -- In a move designed to consolidate its position in the pet

food business, Nestle announced Tuesday that it plans to merge with the

Ralston Purina Co.

Nestle produces Friskies, a wet cat food. But company spokeswoman

Molly Dell’Omo said Ralston’s products will help the company expand into

the dry dog food market.

For the approximately 1,800 workers who work in Glendale for Nestle,

the acquisition of Ralston Purina should not bring any great change to

everyday affairs, Dell’Omo said.

The new company formed by the combination of Nestle and Ralston -- to

be called Nestle Purina Pet Care -- will be based in St. Louis, which was

already the home of Ralston.

Glendale operations, though, will go on as usual.

“We don’t see a real net impact,” Dell’Omo said.

Nestle will acquire outstanding shares of Purina for $33.50, a figure

36% higher than the closing price of the company’s stock on Friday.

Nestle has been aggressively pursuing the pet food market since it

acquired Carnation, the maker of Friskies, in 1985.

Dell’Omo said combining forces with Ralston would help round out the

services the company can offer.

“We want to better meet our consumer needs,” she said. “It’s very

complementary.”