The Marzetti Company Announces \$400 Million Acquisition of Bachan’s, Inc.

Key Strategic Expansion into the Premium Sauce Category

WESTERVILLE, Ohio, May 1, 2026 – The Marzetti Company (Nasdaq: MZTI), a leading manufacturer and marketer of specialty food products, has announced the completion of its acquisition of Bachan’s, Inc., a fast-growing Japanese Barbecue Sauce brand renowned for its authentic and clean-label products. The deal, valued at \$400 million, marks a significant step in Marzetti’s strategy to expand its footprint in the condiment and sauce category.

Key Points from the Report

• Acquisition Value and Financing: The \$400 million transaction was financed through a combination of cash on hand and a \$200 million term loan.
• Growth and Synergies: Bachan’s reported net sales of approximately \$87 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2025. The acquisition is expected to open additional growth opportunities by leveraging Marzetti’s extensive retail and foodservice distribution network, supply chain capabilities, and culinary expertise.
• Strategic Rationale: Marzetti’s CEO Dave Ciesinski emphasized that the acquisition is a “strategic extension” of the company’s product portfolio and will strengthen its position in the premium condiment and sauce segment. The company aims to broaden Bachan’s distribution, foster product innovation, and expand into new channels and adjacent categories.
• Brand Alignment: Bachan’s founder Justin Gill highlighted the alignment in values between the two companies and expressed confidence that Marzetti will respect and build upon Bachan’s heritage and vision.
• Advisors: Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Marzetti, with King & Spalding LLP as legal counsel. Centerview Partners LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to Bachan’s, with Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz LLP as legal counsel.

Important Shareholder Considerations & Potential Price-Sensitive Information

• Integration Risks: Management outlined the challenge of successfully integrating Bachan’s business to achieve the anticipated operational and financial performance objectives. This is a key risk factor for investors to monitor as integration issues could impact future earnings and share value.
• Leverage and Financing: The deal partially relies on a \$200 million term loan, which may affect Marzetti’s financial leverage and cash flow. Investors should consider the implications of increased debt on the company’s balance sheet and flexibility.
• Forward-Looking Statements and Uncertainties: The company cautioned that forward-looking statements included in the release are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including reliance on third-party partners, the risk of product recalls, changes in demand, competitive pressures, input cost fluctuations, and dependence on key personnel.
• Potential for Revenue Growth: The acquisition could be a significant catalyst for Marzetti’s future growth, given Bachan’s strong recent sales performance and the potential for broader distribution and innovation through Marzetti’s established channels.

About The Marzetti Company

Marzetti is a leading player in the specialty food products industry, supplying both retail and foodservice channels. Its retail portfolio includes Marzetti® dressings and dips, New York Bakery™ garlic breads, Sister Schubert’s® dinner rolls, and licensed products for major brands like Olive Garden®, Chick-fil-A®, Buffalo Wild Wings®, Arby’s®, Subway®, and Texas Roadhouse®. Marzetti also supplies sauces, dressings, breads, and pasta to top restaurant chains across the U.S.

About Bachan’s

Founded by Justin Gill and headquartered in Sebastopol, CA, Bachan’s is a Japanese-American flavor brand rooted in a multi-generational family barbecue sauce recipe. The brand’s clean-label, non-GMO sauces have quickly grown in popularity, distinguishing themselves through authentic flavors and minimal processing.

Forward-Looking Statements

Management has included forward-looking statements in this announcement, which are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Factors that could impact actual results include integration challenges, dependency on third-party vendors, product recall risks, demand volatility, competitive pressures, cost fluctuations, personnel changes, and other factors described in Marzetti’s filings with the SEC. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, which reflect management’s expectations as of the date of this announcement.

Contact Information

• Dale N. Ganobsik, Vice President, Corporate Finance and Investor Relations
  Phone: 614/224-7141
  Email: [email protected]
• Alysa Spittle, Senior Director, Communications
  Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investors should conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The information herein is based on the company’s press release and public filings as of the stated date, and may be subject to change.

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