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B&G Foods has announced the sale of its Le Sueur brand – which includes a range of premium canned vegetables such as sweet peas, green beans and carrots – to McCall Farms. This move is part of B&G's broader strategy to streamline its operations and reduce long-term debt.

The transaction reflects B&G Foods' ongoing efforts to focus on its core brands amid a challenging market environment. Casey Keller, president and CEO of B&G Foods, stated that the sale is a continuation of the company's portfolio reshaping initiatives.

"The Le Sueur brand has performed very well for us over the years, and we believe it will continue to thrive under the ownership of McCall Farms," Keller commented.

While the financial details of the deal were not disclosed, B&G Foods plans to allocate the proceeds towards general corporate purposes, which include debt repayment and potential asset acquisitions. The sale does not extend to the Le Sueur brand in Canada, indicating a selective divestiture strategy.

B&G Foods has been under pressure to enhance its financial stability and operational efficiency, particularly as the food and beverage sector faces rising commodity costs and shifting consumer preferences. The divestiture of Le Sueur, a brand known for its quality products, underscores B&G's commitment to concentrating resources on its most promising offerings.

Financial advisory firms Barclays Capital and Deutsche Bank Securities facilitated the transaction, highlighting the strategic nature of the sale in the context of B&G Foods' long-term goals.