"LEHMAN BROTHERS MERCHANT BANKING OFFERS TO ACQUIRE HEINZ’S EUROPEAN SEAFOOD BUSINESS"

Lehman Brothers Merchant Banking announced that it has made an offer and is in advanced and exclusive negotiations with H.J. Heinz Company (NYSE: HNZ) to acquire Heinz’s European Seafood business for an undisclosed amount. A transaction would require an opinion from the French Works Council and communications with other relevant employee representatives in Europe and would also be subject to customary EU competition review and approval. A transaction is expected to be completed by the end of April 2006.

Source: http://www.lehman.com/press/#0206