<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001104659-17-064803.txt : 20171031
<SEC-HEADER>0001104659-17-064803.hdr.sgml : 20171031
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20171031070040
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001104659-17-064803
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	8-K
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		3
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20171031
ITEM INFORMATION:		Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement
ITEM INFORMATION:		Regulation FD Disclosure
ITEM INFORMATION:		Financial Statements and Exhibits
FILED AS OF DATE:		20171031
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20171031

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			HORMEL FOODS CORP /DE/
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000048465
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	MEAT PACKING PLANTS [2011]
		IRS NUMBER:				410319970
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1031

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		8-K
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-02402
		FILM NUMBER:		171163998

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		1 HORMEL PL
		CITY:			AUSTIN
		STATE:			MN
		ZIP:			55912-3680
		BUSINESS PHONE:		(507) 437-5611

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		1 HORMEL PLACE
		CITY:			AUSTIN
		STATE:			MN
		ZIP:			55912-3680

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	HORMEL GEO A & CO
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	19920703
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>8-K
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>a17-24889_18k.htm
<DESCRIPTION>8-K
<TEXT>


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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 2.0in;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">UNITED STATES</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></b></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Washington, D. C. 20549</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">FORM&nbsp;8-K</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">CURRENT REPORT</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">Pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or 15 (d)&nbsp;of</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">the Securities Exchange Act of 1934</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)&#160;&#160; <b>October&nbsp;31, 2017</b></font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">1-2402</font></b></p>    </td>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>    </td>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">41-0319970</font></b></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">(State or Other<br>   Jurisdiction of<br>   Incorporation)</font></p>    </td>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">(Commission File<br>   Number)</font></p>    </td>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">(IRS Employer<br>   Identification<br>   Number)</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">1 Hormel Place</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Austin, MN&#160; 55912</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">(Address of Principal Executive Office)</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">Registrant&#146;s telephone number, including area code:&#160; (507) 437-5611</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">Check the appropriate box below if the Form&nbsp;8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">[&#160; ] Written communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">[&#160; ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule&nbsp;14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">[&#160; ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;14d-2(b)&nbsp;under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">[&#160; ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;13e-4(c)&nbsp;under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="3" color="black" face="Times New Roman" style="color:black;font-size:12.0pt;">Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule&nbsp;405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (&#167;230.405 of this chapter) or Rule&nbsp;12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (&#167;240.12b-2 of this chapter).</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="3" color="black" face="Times New Roman" style="color:black;font-size:12.0pt;">Emerging growth company&#160;&#160; </font><font size="3" style="font-size:12.0pt;">[&#160; ]</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="3" color="black" face="Times New Roman" style="color:black;font-size:12.0pt;">If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a)&nbsp;of the Exchange Act. </font><font size="3" style="font-size:12.0pt;">[&#160; ]</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Section&nbsp;1 &#150; REGISTRANT&#146;S BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 1.01 <u>Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement</u></font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">On October&nbsp;30, 2017, Hormel Foods Corporation (the Company) entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Columbus Manufacturing,&nbsp;Inc., an authentic, premium deli meat and salami company, from Chicago-based Arbor Investments.&#160; The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals in the United States, and is expected to close within 60 days.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">The purchase price is approximately $850 million.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">The Company intends to file the definitive agreement with its next annual report on Form 10-K.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Section&nbsp;7 &#150; REGULATION FD</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 7.01 <u>Regulation FD Disclosure</u></font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">On October&nbsp;31, 2017, the Company issued a press release announcing a definitive agreement to acquire Columbus Manufacturing,&nbsp;Inc.</font><font size="3" style="font-size:12.0pt;">&#160; A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit&nbsp;99 to this Form&nbsp;8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Section&nbsp;9 &#150; FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 9.01 <u>Financial Statements and Exhibits</u></font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 9.0pt;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">(d)&#160;&#160;&#160; Exhibits furnished pursuant to Item 7.01</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 37.0pt;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">99</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman"><a href="a17-24889_1ex99.htm#Exhibit99_040857" title="Click to goto "><font size="3" style="font-size:12.0pt;">Press release issued October&nbsp;31, 2017</font></a></font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="3" style="font-size:12.0pt;">2</font><a name="PB_2_035141_804"></a></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><u><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">SIGNATURES</font></u></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><u><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION</font></u></b></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Registrant)</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">Dated: <u>October&nbsp;31,   2017</u></font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">By </font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><u><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">/s/ JAMES N. SHEEHAN</font></u></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="44%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:44.74%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">JAMES N. SHEEHAN</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">Dated: <u>October&nbsp;31,   2017</u></font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><u><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">/s/ JANA L. HAYNES</font></u></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;">JANA L. HAYNES</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Exhibit&nbsp;99</font></b><a name="Exhibit99_040857"></a></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:7.0pt;">INVESTOR CONTACT:</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:7.0pt;">Nathan Annis</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:7.0pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wendy   Watkins</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:7.0pt;">(507) 437-5248</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:7.0pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(507)   437-5345</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:7.0pt;">ir@hormel.com</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><u><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:7.0pt;">media@hormel.com</font></u></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman"><img width="133" height="49" src="g248891moi001.jpg"></font></p>
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<p align="center" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Arial" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Hormel Foods </font></b><b><font face="Arial" style="font-weight:bold;">Enhances its Position in Premium, Authentic Deli Meats with the Acquisition of <br> Columbus Manufacturing,&nbsp;Inc., Maker of <i>Columbus&#174;</i> Craft Meats</font></b></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><i><font size="2" face="Arial" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;">Serves as a Catalyst for Uniting Hormel Foods&#146; Deli Businesses and <br> Provides a Premium Salami and Charcuterie Offering</font></i></p>
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<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Arial" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">AUSTIN, Minn.,</font></b><font face="Arial"> (October&nbsp;31, 2017) &#151; Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Columbus Manufacturing,&nbsp;Inc., an authentic, premium deli meat and salami company, from Chicago-based Arbor Investments. This strategic acquisition positions Hormel Foods as a total deli solutions provider and enhances its other strong deli brands such as <i>Hormel&#174;, Jennie-O&#174;, Applegate&#174;, and DiLusso&#174;</i>.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" color="black" face="Arial" style="color:black;font-size:10.0pt;">&#147;We are pleased to add Columbus to the Hormel Foods family. Columbus has an outstanding reputation in the food industry and is well-positioned in the advantaged retail deli category,&#148; said Jim Snee, president and chief executive officer at Hormel Foods. &#147;Columbus is capitalizing on one of the fastest-growing areas in the retail grocery store with premium, authentic products that are on-trend with today&#146;s consumers who are looking for unique experiences, flavors, and products.&#148;</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" color="black" face="Arial" style="color:black;font-size:10.0pt;">&#147;The acquisition of Columbus will serve as a catalyst for uniting all our deli businesses into one customer-facing organization,&#148; Snee said. &#147;This acquisition significantly enhances our scale in the deli by broadening our portfolio of products, customers, and consumers. The synergies we can unlock with this acquisition are clear and I&#146;m excited for the next evolution of our company.&#148;</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" color="black" face="Arial" style="color:black;font-size:10.0pt;">&#147;As a millennial-focused brand, Columbus has generated category-leading growth through a passionate commitment to quality, simplicity, and time-honored recipes,&#148; said Joe Ennen, chief executive officer of Columbus Manufacturing,&nbsp;Inc. &#147;In Hormel we are joining an organization whose values and culture perfectly align with our own.&#148;</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" color="black" face="Arial" style="color:black;font-size:10.0pt;">The purchase price is approximately $850 million. Total annual sales are approximately $300 million with an expected growth rate in excess of 5 percent. Hormel Foods expects this acquisition to be modestly accretive to earnings per share in fiscal 2018. Full-year accretion in fiscal 2019 is expected to be between 6 to 8 cents per share.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Arial" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The company will continue to operate from California and will report into the Refrigerated Foods segment. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals in the United States. <font color="black" style="color:black;">Hormel Foods was advised by Barclays and Faegre Baker Daniels LLP. Columbus Manufacturing was advised by BofA Merrill Lynch and DLA Piper LLP (US). In addition, Rothschild provided financial advice to Columbus Manufacturing.</font></font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Arial" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Hormel Foods will provide further comments about this deal during a conference call at 8:00 a.m.&nbsp;CT on Tuesday, October&nbsp;31, 2017. Access is available at http://www.hormelfoods.com or by dialing 888-378-4439 and using the access code 4931265. The audio replay will be available beginning at 11:00 a.m.&nbsp;CT on Tuesday, October&nbsp;31, 2017 and archived for one year.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Arial" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">About Hormel Foods Corporation &#150; <i>Inspired People. Inspired Food.</i>&#153;</font></b></p>
<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Arial" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a global branded food company with over $9 billion in annual revenues across 75 countries worldwide. Its brands include <i>SKIPPY</i></font><font size="1" face="Arial" style="font-size:6.5pt;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font><font face="Arial">, <i>SPAM</i></font><i><font size="1" face="Arial" style="font-size:6.5pt;font-style:italic;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font></i><font face="Arial">, <i>Hormel</i></font><i><font size="1" face="Arial" style="font-size:6.5pt;font-style:italic;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font></i><i><font face="Arial" style="font-style:italic;">&#160;Natural Choice</font></i><i><font size="1" face="Arial" style="font-size:6.5pt;font-style:italic;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font></i><font face="Arial">, <i>Applegate</i></font><i><font size="1" face="Arial" style="font-size:6.5pt;font-style:italic;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font></i><font face="Arial">, <i>Justin&#146;s</i></font><i><font size="1" face="Arial" style="font-size:6.5pt;font-style:italic;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font></i><font face="Arial">, <i>Wholly Guacamole</i></font><i><font size="1" face="Arial" style="font-size:6.5pt;font-style:italic;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font></i><font face="Arial">, <i>Hormel</i></font><i><font size="1" face="Arial" style="font-size:6.5pt;font-style:italic;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font></i><i><font face="Arial" style="font-style:italic;">&#160;Black Label</font></i><i><font size="1" face="Arial" style="font-size:6.5pt;font-style:italic;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">&#174;</font></i><font face="Arial">&#160;and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&amp;P 500 Index and the S&amp;P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of &#147;The 100 Best Corporate Citizens&#148; by Corporate Responsibility Magazine for the ninth year in a row, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. In 2016, the company celebrated its 125</font><font size="1" face="Arial" style="font-size:6.5pt;position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">th</font><font face="Arial">&#160;anniversary and announced its new vision for the future - <i>Inspired People. Inspired Food.&#153;</i> - focusing on its legacy of innovation. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com and <u>http://csr.hormelfoods.com/</u>.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Arial" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">About Columbus Manufacturing,&nbsp;Inc.</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Arial" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Columbus Manufacturing,&nbsp;Inc. is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Founded in 1917, the company produces award-winning Italian salami and deli meats sold under the <i>Columbus&#174;</i> brand. With its commitment to and reputation for quality, Columbus is quietly setting the pace for growth in the deli meat category. Its products are available at food retailers nationwide. The company operates two state-of-the-art production facilities in Hayward, California. More information can be found at www.columbuscraftmeats.com</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Arial" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">About Arbor Investments</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Arial" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Chicago,&nbsp;Illinois, Arbor Investments is a specialized private equity firm that focuses exclusively on acquiring premier companies in the food, beverage and related industries. The firm has acquired or invested in over 52 food, beverage and related companies in North America. More information can be found at www.arborpic.com.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><u><font size="2" face="Arial" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS</font></u></b></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Arial" style="font-size:10.0pt;">This news release contains forward-looking information based on management&#146;s current views and assumptions. Actual events may differ materially. Factors that may affect actual results include, but are not limited to: whether and when the required regulatory approvals will be obtained, whether and when the closing conditions will be satisfied and whether and when the transaction will close, whether and when the Company will be able to realize the expected financial results and accretive effect of the transaction, and how customers, competitors, suppliers and employees will react to the transaction.&#160; Please refer to the cautionary statement regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors that appear on pages&nbsp;32 - 39 in the company&#146;s Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarter ended July&nbsp;30, 2017, which can be accessed at www.hormelfoods.com under &#147;Investors-SEC Filings.&#148;</font></p>
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