The Hershey Company to Acquire LesserEvil

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to ²¹³¦±ç³Ü¾±°ù±ðÌýLesserEvil, maker of organic, delectable snacks that combine bold flavors with better-for-you ingredients. The addition ofÌýLesserEvilÌýwill further expand Hershey’s snacking portfolio across its long-established confection brands likeÌýHershey’s,ÌýReese’sÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýJolly RanchersÌýand emerging salty snack brands includingÌýSkinnyPop,Ìý¶Ù´Ç³Ù’²õÌýHomestyle Pretzels andÌýPirate’s Booty.

“Investing inÌýLesserEvilÌýbrings a multi-category, better-for-you snacks platform to extend our offerings into new categories and forms, reaching new consumers in more eating occasions,” saidÌýMichele Buck, The Hershey Company President and Chief Executive Officer. “This high-growth brand not only complements our beloved confection and salty snack brands but also brings additional manufacturing capabilities and capacity to meet growing consumer and retailer needs.”

³¢±ð²õ²õ±ð°ù·¡±¹¾±±ôÌýis growing as a cross-category snack brand for those who desire interesting and bold flavors with organic ingredients. Its leadership team will continue with the company to lead its innovative commercial model, speed-to-market capabilities and manufacturing operations. Working together, the team aims to deliver category-leading growth and elevated category insights to offer the right products, in the right places and at the right time for consumers.

LesserEvilÌýhas always been built on a foundation of clear purpose, constant innovation, and a deep commitment to our people—fostering a vibrant culture rooted in mindfulness and better-for-you snacking using organic ingredients,” remarkedÌýCharles Coristine, Chief Executive Officer,ÌýLesserEvil.Ìý “Joining a company that shares our passion for responsible business, giving to a cause greater than oneself, and long-term vision makes this an incredible opportunity for our brand and our team.Ìý Hershey’s century-long legacy of excellence creates not just strategic alignment but a true cultural home where we can continue to grow and make an impact.”

The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval with anticipated closing later this year.

About The Hershey CompanyÌý
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is an industry-leading snacks company with a purpose to make more moments of goodness through its iconic brands. With more than 20,000 remarkable employees worldwide, Hershey delivers delicious, high-quality products across approximately 70 countries, generating overÌý$11.2 billionÌýin annual revenues. The company’s portfolio includes beloved chocolate and confectionery brands such asÌýHershey’s,ÌýReese’s,ÌýKisses,ÌýKit Kat®,ÌýJolly Rancher,ÌýIce Breakers,ÌýShaq-a-liciousÌýalongside popular salty snacks includingÌýSkinnyPopÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýDot’s Homestyle Pretzels.

For more than 130 years, Hershey has been committed to operating responsibly and supporting its people and communities. The candy and snack maker’s founder,ÌýMilton Hershey, createdÌýMilton Hershey SchoolÌýin 1909, and since then, the company has focused on helping children succeed through access to education.

To learn more visitÌý.