#USA #Lifeway Foods #Danone #Morton Grove #Kefir

Lifeway Foods: A Commitment to Growth Beyond the Acquisition

On September 18, 2025, Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY), a prominent American producer of kefir and fermented probiotic products, released a decisive statement following Danone's withdrawal of its proposal to acquire the company. In response, Lifeway emphasized its ongoing commitment to enhancing shareholder value through strategic execution and growth initiatives.

In light of Danone's unsolicited acquisition attempts, Lifeway has established a Strategic Review Committee comprising solely independent directors to oversee strategic opportunities that maximize value for shareholders. With the distraction of the acquisition proposal now resolved, Lifeway is poised to refocus on its growth strategy aimed at delivering substantial value not just to shareholders but also to partners and customers.

Performance Highlights

Lifeway Foods reported record-breaking sales results for both the first and second quarters of 2025, continuing strong momentum into the third quarter. Key performance information includes:

• - Q2 2025 Sales: Lifeway reached an impressive $53.9 million in net sales, marking a remarkable 18% increase year-over-year on a comparable basis.
• - Q3 Sales Performance: Within the first two months of Q3 (ending August 31), Lifeway announced unaudited net sales of $39.1 million, reflecting a significant 20% jump compared to the previous year.
• - Consistent Growth: The company has achieved 22 consecutive quarters of growth, establishing its reputation as an innovator in the retail dairy sector.

Future Strategies and Industry Position

While the abrupt halt in acquisition talks may come as a shock to some observers, it enables Lifeway to concentrate on its strategic growth agenda, continuing to innovate within the probiotic beverages segment. The company prides itself on its status as the leading supplier of kefir in America, recognized in publications such as Forbes as one of the Best Small Companies. Lifeway also offers other products, including a range of cheeses and the ProBugs® line tailored for kids. Today, their unique fermented dairy products are distributed across the United States and internationally in regions such as Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, the UAE, and France.

Given the rising consumer awareness around health, wellness, and the microbiome, Lifeway stands to benefit from ongoing trends in probiotic consumption. The company is engaged with Evercore Group LLC as its financial advisor and Sidley Austin LLP as its legal advisor, underscoring its serious and strategic approach in this marketplace.

Concluding Remarks

Ultimately, Lifeway Foods remains steadfast in its objective to elevate shareholder returns through its innovative product lines and strategic market positioning. Looking ahead, the company is enthusiastic about future growth opportunities while navigating a highly competitive landscape.

For more information on Lifeway's future initiatives and product offerings, visit Lifeway Foods.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer

This piece contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Prospective investors are advised to consider various inherent risks that might affect Lifeway's future results, including competitive pricing, consumer decisions, and potential delays in new product introductions. Complete details on these risks are available in Lifeway’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.