One of the country’s largest food companies has announced a deal to acquire a Madison-based sausage maker. ConAgra Foods will purchase Odom’s Tennessee Pride for an undisclosed sum.
Tennessee Pride operates manufacturing facilities in Dickson and Little Rock with 750 employees and $190 million in annual revenue. While small compared to ConAgra, Tennessee Pride is one of the largest producers of frozen breakfast sandwiches in the U.S.
The family still controls the company that was started in 1943 by Douglas Odom Sr. Its TV jingles remain regionally famous. “Pick up a pound or two of Tennessee Pride.”
Third generation Larry Odom is chairman and CEO. He says in a statement he’s “excited to join ConAgra” and looking forward to future growth. A statement from the companies does not spell out what will happen to the headquarters office in Madison, which has been there for more than 50 years.
Outside of Tennessee Pride, ConAgra has been on a buying spree. The proposed acquisition would be the third in the last year after snapping up National Pretzel Company and Del Monte Canada.
Web Extra
Hear the full Tennessee Pride jingle