The Hillshire Brands Company announced that effective at the open of the market today, the company's common stock has begun quotation and trading under the symbol "HSH" on the New York Stock Exchange, operated by NYSE Euronext. Hillshire Brands manages several popular, market-leading consumer brands including Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Ball Park, Aidells, Gallo Salame and State Fair.

"Our goal is to be the most innovative meat-centric food company in the U.S.," said Sean Connolly, chief executive officer for Hillshire Brands. "We're focusing our ambition and entrepreneurial spirit to drive growth for our market-leading portfolio of iconic and artisanal brands.

The Hillshire name was inspired by the Hillshire Farm brand, which Sara Lee acquired in 1971. Friedrich (Fritz) Bernegger founded Hillshire Farm in New London, Wis., and his entrepreneurial spirit lives on in the company to this day.

On Tuesday, July 3, 2012, executives and guests of Hillshire Brands will visit the NYSE to ring The Opening Bell, marking today's launch of the company as an independent, pure-play, publicly traded business.

Source: Hillshire Brands Co.