FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Two well-known Valley AG companies are merging.
Gerawan Farming and Wawona Packing say the merger makes them a leading stone fruit producer.
No money details are being talked about or even a new company name will be adopted but a news release says the combined business will be better able to serve customers and create opportunities for employees.
The news release states that the combined company will be led by Dan Gerawan and the management team will include leaders from both companies.
Gerawan will be the largest individual shareholder and Chief Executive Officer of the merged entity. Brent Smittcamp, current Executive Chairman of Wawona, will also remain a significant shareholder and continue to be highly involved with the combined company. The management team will be comprised of leaders from both companies.
Mr. Gerawan said, “At Gerawan, innovating on a large scale to grow, pack and ship the world’s best fruit has been key to our success, and those efforts have always hinged on investing in our employees. These same values underpin Wawona’s success. This merger is an exciting next step to unlock the full potential of both companies.”
Gerawan and Wawona are third-generation family businesses in the Central Valley.
Click to hear the report by KMJ’s AG Director Don York:
