Hormel to Acquire Brakebush for $1.055 Billion

Hormel Foods has agreed to acquire Brakebush Brothers for approximately $1.055 billion, expanding the packaged-food company’s value-added chicken business and foodservice operations. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, and Hormel expects it to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2027. Brakebush, a privately held chicken processor based in Westfield, Wisconsin, supplies prepared chicken products to foodservice customers, including restaurants. Its products include breaded chicken items, and its operations include five production facilities and two research and development labs, according to information provided about the deal. Hormel said Brakebush is expected to generate approximately $1.2 billion in net sales during calendar 2026. A separate company statement described the figure as sales over the last 12 months, so the two periods are not interchangeable. Hormel said the acquisition supports its strategy to build its foodservice business and increase its exposure to chicken.