History and Merger with Nestlé
– Founded in 1894 as Purina Mills, specializing in animal feed.
– Partnership with George Robinson led to the formation of Robinson-Danforth Commission Company.
– Expanded into cereal production and changed the name to Ralston-Purina in 1902.
– In 1986, Purina Mills sold to British Petroleum and Ralston human food operations spun off.
– International animal feed business spun off as Agribrands and later acquired by Cargill in 2001.
– Nestlé acquired Ralston Purina in 2001.
– Offered a premium of 36% over the closing price of Ralston Purina’s outstanding shares.
– Some pet food brands divested separately to address antitrust concerns.
– Nestlé Purina PetCare division now manufactures and markets Purina brands.
– Ralston Purina also produced other pet-related products.
Acquisitions and Diversifications
– Acquired and developed Keystone ski resort in 1974.
– Purchased Breckenridge ski area in 1993, sold both resorts to Vail Resorts in 1997.
– Acquired Missouri Arena Corporation and the St. Louis Blues NHL franchise in 1977.
– Purchased Eveready Battery Company in 1986, later spun off.
– Bought Continental Baking Company, makers of Wonder bread and Hostess cakes, in 1984.
Logo
– Ralston Purina’s checkerboard trademark introduced in 1902.
– Inspired by William Danforth’s childhood memory of a family dressed in checkerboard cloth.
– Headquarters called Checkerboard Square and design reflected balance in life’s key components.
– Design inspired the creation of feed cubes called checkers in 1921.
– Symbolized the concept put forth in Danforth’s book ‘I Dare You.’
Related Topics
– Companies portal.
– Louisville sewer explosions.
– Ralcorp.
– Purina Mills.
Subtopic 1: BlueTriton Brands (Nestlé Waters North America)
– Nestlé India (62.76%)
– Nestlé Pakistan
– Nestlé Canada
– Nestlé Japan
– Nestlé Malaysia
Note: The content has been condensed and reformatted for clarity and conciseness.