Maple Leaf Foods shareholders are announcing resounding approval for the proposed spin-off of the company's pork operations to form Canada Packers, and also re-elected all of the directors to the Maple Leaf Foods Board of Directors at its 2025 annual and special meeting of shareholders. 

"The overwhelming endorsement of our shareholders for the spin-off of our pork operations marks an important milestone in one of the most transformational transactions in the company's history," said Curtis Frank, president and chief executive officer of Maple Leaf Foods. "By creating two companies, each with its own robust business model, focused strategy, distinct investment profile, and compelling growth potential, Maple Leaf Foods is ready to unlock its potential as a purpose-driven, protein-focused, branded consumer packaged goods company. I thank our shareholders for supporting our bold vision for the future."

"This is a historic day in Canada Packers' progress toward becoming an independent, public company," said Dennis Organ, incoming president and chief executive officer of Canada Packers. "With the confidence of the shareholders, we are excited to take our next steps as a global leader in sustainably produced, premium quality, value-added pork with diversified sales mix and global reach."

"I believe passionately in the powerful potential of this transaction to create value for all our stakeholders," said Michael McCain, executive chair of Maple Leaf Foods. "Shareholders will be able to participate in not one, but two strong, independent, sustainable and purpose-driven businesses, each with a clear mandate and investment profile.  The McCain family and McCain Capital Inc. are deeply committed to the future of both companies, and we extend our congratulations to the Maple Leaf Foods management team for advancing to this critical next step in our purposeful journey.

The vote on the transaction, which required a 66 2/3% approval of votes cast by all the shareholders as well as a simple majority of votes cast by the public shareholders, was approved with 99.94% of votes cast by all shareholders and 99.88% of votes cast by the public (non-McCain) shareholders. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025 pending receipt of an advance tax ruling and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

In addition to approving the spin-off transaction, shareholders voted to re-elect all of the incumbent directors to serve on Maple Leaf Foods' Board of Directors for the coming year. The results of the vote for the election of directors were as follows:

All other resolutions at the meeting were also successfully approved by shareholders, including the reappointment of KPMG as the auditors of the corporation (96.42% of votes cast in favor); the Canada Packers Option Plan (98.47% of votes cast in favor); and the advisory resolution on Maple Leaf Foods' approach to executive compensation (98.15% of votes cast in favor).

Source: Maple Leaf Foods