Tyson buys California food company's assets

Tyson Foods Inc. has bought the assets of Circle Foods LLC, which makes frozen and refrigerated Mexican foods, uncooked tortillas and Indian flatbreads, from Montreal-based private equity firm Claridge, the companies said in a Monday statement.

Terms of the deal for San Diego-based Circle Foods, which the companies said was completed Saturday, weren't disclosed. Springdale-based Tyson said it doesn't plan any significant operational changes at Circle Foods, which employs about 600 full-time workers.

Circle Foods' 159,000-square-foot facility in San Diego, built in 2008, makes burritos, chimichangas, enchiladas, quesadillas, tacos and tamales in addition to tortillas and Indian flatbreads under the brand names Nuevo Grille, Tortillaland and Rotiland, and for private labels.

"Claridge and the Circle Foods team have developed an outstanding portfolio of products and customers, with a fantastic plant and workforce, and will be an excellent fit within our branded consumer products group," Tyson President and Chief Executive Officer Donnie Smith said. "We believe Tyson's robust sales structure, as well as our frozen and refrigerated foods distribution system, will enable this business to accelerate its growth."

Upcoming Events