Sara Lee sells North American Refrigerated Dough biz

August 12, 2011, Downers Grove, IL – Sara Lee will sell its North American Refrigerated Dough business to Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products Inc.

The $545 million sale is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.

Earlier this year, Sara Lee announced it was evaluating strategic options for this business, which provides a full range of private brand products, including basic and specialty biscuits, crescent rolls, pizza and pie crusts and toaster pastries.

“The sale of our North American Refrigerated Dough business to Ralcorp is another step forward for Sara Lee as we continue to prepare for our separation into two publicly-traded companies,” said Marcel Smits, chief executive officer for Sara Lee Corp. “It will better enable our North American business to focus on its branded meats and frozen desserts products and establish a platform for a strong and independent future.”

Sara Lee’s North American Refrigerated Dough business employs approximately 700 people and includes manufacturing facilities in Forest Park, Ga., and Carrolton, Tex.