MORTON GROVE, Ill., Jan. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or the "Company"), a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products to support the microbiome, today announced that its Board of Directors (the "Board") has responded to the December 30, 2024 letter sent to Lifeway by Danone North America PBC ("Danone") reaffirming that the Company rejected Danone's offer to acquire the Company because it severely undervalues the Company, based on analysis by the Company's independent financial and legal advisors. The Board reiterated that it is not opposed to a sale at a price that more accurately reflects the true value of the Company.

MORTON GROVE, Ill., Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: LWAY) (the "Company" or "Lifeway"), the leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products to support the microbiome, today provided additional information regarding the reasons that its Board of Directors rejected the revised unsolicited proposal made on November 15, 2024 by Danone North America PBC ("Danone") to acquire all the shares of Lifeway that it does not already own for $27.00 per share.

CHICAGO, Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Edward and Ludmila Smolyansky ("Founding Shareholders"), who together exercise voting control with respect to approximately 29.7% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Lifeway Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: LWAY), today called for Lifeway's board of directors to take several actions, including immediately establishing an independent special committee to evaluate and negotiate a transaction with Danone or other potential buyers.

This follows a proposal by Danone North America PBC to acquire all outstanding shares of Lifeway that Danone does not already own for $27 per share in cash.

Leading U.S. Kefir Brand Announces Functional Beverage Made with Kefir Cultures to Support Skin Health, Immune System and the Microbiome

MORTON GROVE, Ill., Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY), a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products to support the microbiome, has announced its latest functional beverage innovation: Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen made with kefir cultures. Available in four delicious flavors – Matcha Latte, Berry Blast, Tropical Fruit, and Plain – the new line features 5 grams of collagen in each serving and is lactose-free, as consumer demand for lactose-free dairy products is predicted to grow rapidly over the next five years.

MORTON GROVE, Ill., Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: LWAY) (the "Company"), a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products to support the microbiome, today announced that its Board of Directors has rejected the revised unsolicited proposal made on November 15, 2024 by Danone North America PBC ("Danone") to acquire all the shares of Lifeway that it does not already own for $27.00 per share.

MORTON GROVE, Ill., Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or the "Company"), a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products to support the microbiome, confirmed that it has received a revised, unsolicited, non-binding proposal from Danone North America PBC ("Danone") to acquire all outstanding shares of common stock of Lifeway it does not already own for $27.00 per share in cash. According to the Schedule 13D amendment filed today with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission disclosing the revised proposal, Danone beneficially owns approximately 23.3% of Lifeway's outstanding common stock.

Year-to-date net sales of $139.9 million; up 18.5% year-over-year

Heightened interest in probiotic foods with bioavailable nutrients drives volume growth of Lifeway Kefir and Farmer Cheese

20th consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth

Year-to-date gross profit margin increased to 26.2%

MORTON GROVE, Ill., Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or "the Company"), the leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products to support the microbiome, today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024.

MORTON GROVE, Ill., Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or "the Company"), a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products to support the microbiome, today announced it will report financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 on November 14, 2024 before market hours.

A pre-recorded conference call and webcast with Julie Smolyanksy, Lifeway's President and Chief Executive Officer, discussing these results with additional comments and details will be made available through the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website at https://lifewaykefir.com/webinars-reports/ upon dissemination of the third quarter results on November 14, 2024 before market hours.

CHICAGO, Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 23, 2024, Danone SA (OTCQX: DANOY) proposed to acquire Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY) in a transaction valued at approximately $283 million, offering $25 per share in cash. However, on November 6, the Lifeway Foods Board of Directors rejected the offer, instead adopting a "poison pill" limited shareholder rights plan.

Edward and Ludmila Smolyansky, significant shareholders and members of Lifeway Foods' founding family, released the following statement in response:

Lifeway CEO Julie Smolyansky announces substantial new distribution during Gulfood Manufacturing exhibition

DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or "the Company"), a leading U.S. manufacturer of kefir and fermented probiotic products, announced today an expanded distribution agreement in the United Arab Emirates market. The offering of 32oz Lifeway Kefir, 8oz Lactose-Free Lifeway Kefir, ProBugs and farmer cheese, exported from the United States, is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2024 and will become available in supermarkets and hypermarkets in Dubai and across the Emirates. The announcement was made by Lifeway President and CEO Julie Smolyansky during the Gulfood Manufacturing trade show in Dubai on Nov 5-7, 2024.

Lifeway CEO Julie Smolyansky announces substantial new distribution during Gulfood Manufacturing exhibition

DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or "the Company"), a leading U.S. manufacturer of kefir and fermented probiotic products, announced today an expanded distribution agreement in the United Arab Emirates market. The offering of 32oz Lifeway Kefir, 8oz Lactose-Free Lifeway Kefir, ProBugs and farmer cheese, exported from the United States, is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2024 and will become available in supermarkets and hypermarkets in Dubai and across the Emirates. The announcement was made by Lifeway President and CEO Julie Smolyansky during the Gulfood Manufacturing trade show in Dubai on Nov 5-7, 2024.

MORTON GROVE, Ill., Nov. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or the "Company"), a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products to support the microbiome, today announced that its Board of Directors (the "Board") has rejected the unsolicited proposal made on September 23, 2024 by Danone North America PBC ("Danone") to acquire all the shares of Lifeway that it does not already own for $25.00 per share.

MORTON GROVE, Ill., Oct. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY), a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products that support the microbiome, announced today the release of 10 new innovative flavors to its on-the-go 8-ounce line of organic kefir. Lifeway is known for creating trends and recognizing consumers' evolving tastes and needs, and these new flavor combinations represent a fresh offering in the dairy space, inspired by global flavor insights and market research. The entire line is lactose-free, as consumer demand for lactose-free dairy products is predicted to grow rapidly over the next five years1. Many of these flavor combinations have never been seen before in the cultured dairy category. In addition to being lactose-free, the new Flavor Fusions line is loaded with high-quality bioavailable nutrients, like protein, calcium, and 12 live and active probiotic cultures. 

MORTON GROVE, Ill., Sept. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or "the Company"), a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products to support the microbiome, confirmed that it has received an unsolicited, non-binding proposal from Danone North America PBC ("Danone") to acquire all outstanding shares of common stock of Lifeway it does not already own for $25.00 per share in cash. According to the Schedule 13D amendment filed yesterday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission disclosing the proposal, Danone beneficially owns approximately 23.4% of Lifeway's outstanding common stock.

MORTON GROVE, Ill., Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or "the Company"), a leading U.S. manufacturer of kefir and fermented probiotic products, announced today the brand's first expansion of kefir distribution in the South African market. The offering of Lifeway Kefir and ProBugs, exported from the United States, is currently shipping and available on shelves now. The retailers will be a mix of independent and health food stores, along with limited initial placements at established chains such as Pick n Pay and Shoprite.

MORTON GROVE, Ill., Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or "the Company"), a leading U.S. manufacturer of kefir and fermented probiotic products, announced today the brand's first expansion of kefir distribution in the South African market. The offering of Lifeway Kefir and ProBugs, exported from the United States, is currently shipping and available on shelves now. The retailers will be a mix of independent and health food stores, along with limited initial placements at established chains such as Pick n Pay and Shoprite.

Leading supplier of probiotic, bioavailable kefir pairs microbiome support with fitness

MORTON GROVE, Ill., Sept. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc., (NASDAQ: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or "the Company"), a leading supplier of kefir cultured dairy products, today announced its sponsorship of the Charity Miles running, walking and biking app. During the campaign, Lifeway will sponsor $10,000 worth of Charity Miles donations in support of mental health initiatives.

MORTON GROVE, Ill., Sept. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or "the Company"), a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products to support the microbiome, today announced that the Company will participate in the 8th Annual Lake Street Capital Markets Best Ideas Growth Conference on Thursday, September 12, 2024 in New York City.

MORTON GROVE, Ill., Aug. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY), a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products to support the microbiome, announced today that their Organic Strawnana ProBugs Whole Milk Kefir was named as a winner in Good Housekeeping's 2024 Parenting Awards. The full list of winners is available online at goodhousekeeping.com/parenting2024. Select winners can be found in the upcoming September/October 2024 print issue of Good Housekeeping.

CHICAGO, Aug. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Son and mother Edward and Ludmila Smolyansky, significant shareholders of Lifeway Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: LWAY), today announced the filing of a consent statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, marking the launch of their "Life Back to Lifeway" campaign.

The campaign seeks to replace the health food company's current Board of Directors, including CEO Julie Smolyansky, with leadership committed to revitalizing the company with a strategic vision aligned with the best interests of its shareholders. The Lifeway board has overseen significant and repeated failures of corporate governance that have harmed the business and its employees and driven poor financial results for shareholders.