GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA -- (Marketwire) -- 11/19/09 -- Nestle Professional today announced it has agreed to acquire Vitality Foodservice Inc., one of North America's leading beverage solution providers to the foodservice industry. The acquisition price was not disclosed. This move allows Nestle Professional, Nestle's globally managed business dedicated to the out-of-home food and beverage market, to accelerate its drive in becoming the recognized leader in branded hot and cold non-carbonated beverage solutions to the out-of-home industry in North America. The transaction excludes the Vitality European manufacturing and distribution business.

Headquartered in Tampa, FL, Vitality Foodservice Inc. manufactures and markets a complete range of beverage products from juices, teas, coffees and smoothies to innovative specialty drinks. Vitality's high-performance organization with 700 employees and its expertise in sales, service and dispensing innovative products, will be complementary to Nestle Professional's North American beverage business and is well aligned to Nestle's global commitment to the out-of-home business as one of its main growth drivers.

Marc Caira, CEO of Nestle Professional, said: "We are very excited to welcome Vitality Foodservice into the Nestle Professional family. Vitality not only complements our business but strengthens our position in North America and will enable us to accelerate growth in this important out-of-home market. Additionally, Vitality's product offerings align strongly with Nestle's commitment to nutrition, health, and wellness."

Nestle Professional North America employs over 900 employees and is solely focused and dedicated to the out-of-home market. Its beverages division provides the commercial and institutional restaurant industry with branded hot and cold non-carbonated beverage solutions under brands such as Nescafe, Coffee-mate, Nesquik, Nestea and Nestle.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to be completed within 30 days from the date of this announcement.

About Nestle Professional

Nestle Professional, the world's leading global foodservice manufacturer with presence in over 97 countries is an inspiring growth partner that delivers creative, branded food and beverage solutions, enabling foodservice operators to innovate and delight consumers. From innovative beverage systems under the NESCAFE® and COFFEE-MATE® brands, to on-trend culinary items from STOUFFER'S®, MINOR'S®, and HOT POCKETS® brand sandwiches, Nestle Professional in North America meets the needs of foodservice operators while satisfying the tastes of the out-of-home consumer. Nestle Professional is part of Nestle S.A. in Vevey, Switzerland, the world's leading nutrition, health and wellness company. Worldwide Nestle employs 276,000 employees, and achieved sales of $108 billion in 2008.