Intersnack Group announced it intends to acquire American snack maker Utz Brands for approximately USD 2.9 billion. When the transaction is closed, Utz will become a private company, with the Rice and Lissette Family Entities and Intersnack Group each owning 50% of it. Dylan Lissette will assume the role of Executive Chair of Utz and Utz common stock will no longer be listed on the NYSE. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory and other conditions.
Family-owned Intersnack Group has grown to become a leading snack manufacturer in Europe and Oceania, with an extensive product portfolio across a multitude of snack categories.
“I have spent significant time with the Intersnack team and have been impressed by Intersnack’s deep understanding of the snacking landscape, experience growing distinctive and long-standing brands, and strength in innovation,” said Howard Friedman, Chief Executive Officer of Utz. “Intersnack shares our vision for Utz, and their marketing, manufacturing, and technology capabilities will be invaluable as we continue to invest in our brands and accelerate our strategy.”
“For more than 100 years, Utz has made snacks that are enjoyed by consumers across the U.S.,” said Dylan Lissette, Chairperson of the Utz Board of Directors. “We are excited to partner with the accomplished Intersnack team. We believe that Intersnack is a like-minded partner with similar family heritage and a deep appreciation of the power of beloved brands. They understand the importance of investing for the long term and the value of staying close to consumers and communities. We look forward to benefitting from Intersnack’s experience and broad resources as we drive our next century of success for the benefit of our customers, our associates, our suppliers and the communities we serve.”
“Our partnership with the Rice and Lissette Family, and commitment to Utz, represents a compelling opportunity for Intersnack to expand our exposure into the large and attractive U.S. snacking market, where we do not currently have a presence,” said Johan van Winkel, Executive Chairman of Intersnack Group. “We have long admired Utz’s brands, its heritage and the strength of its team. Together with the Rice and Lissette Family and Utz’s management and associates, we see a tremendous opportunity to partner and build on Utz’s strong foundation and help shape the future of snacking in North America. The combination of Intersnack’s and Utz’s extensive experience makes us confident that this partnership will deliver meaningful benefits to all of our stakeholders.”
About Utz Brands, Inc.
Utz Brands manufactures savory snacks for its brands including Utz®, On The Border® Chips & Dips, Zapp’s®, and Boulder Canyon®, among others. Utz’s products are distributed throughout the US. Utz is based in Hanover, Pennsylvania.
About Intersnack Group
Headquartered in Düsseldorf, Intersnack Group GmbH & Co. KG is one of the leading snack manufacturers in Europe and Oceania. They have grown continuously in recent years, both organically and through acquisition, becoming a market leader in savory snacks. They now employ around 14,500 people worldwide and have operations in 31 countries across Europe as well as in Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Intersnack generated sales of around USD 5 billion in 2025. Their brands include funny-frisch, Chio, POM-BEAR, Estrella, Hula Hoops, McCoy’s, Tayto, Tyrrells, Vico, Griffin’s and Whole Earth.
Photo: Utz Brands