Core Viewpoint - The Smolyanskys, who control approximately 28% of Lifeway Foods' shares, are calling for the resignation of CEO Julie Smolyansky following her lawsuit against Edward Smolyansky, the largest individual shareholder [1][2][3]. Group 1: Shareholder Actions - The Smolyanskys have requested Lifeway's Board to compel CEO Julie Smolyansky to withdraw her lawsuit against Edward Smolyansky [1]. - They believe the recent $2 million retention bonus awarded to Julie Smolyansky is a tactic to fund her legal battles against the Founding Shareholders [2]. - The Smolyanskys are expanding their investigation into the company's governance, which has seen significant turnover in key positions since 2018 [2]. Group 2: Legal and Financial Context - Edward Smolyansky criticized the company's increasing litigation, stating it reflects poor governance [3]. - Ludmila Smolyansky indicated that the $2 million payment to Julie was anticipated to lead to legal action against Edward [3]. - The Smolyanskys have expressed concerns about the board's obstruction of their ability to monetize their shares and contribute to charitable causes [3]. Group 3: Future Goals - The Smolyanskys aim to achieve new management and an independent slate of directors to improve the company's governance [4]. - They have highlighted their commitment to philanthropy, despite perceived interference from the current board [4].

Event coincides with recently announced projections for record Q4 2024 and Full Year 2024 net salesMORTON GROVE, Ill., Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY), the leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products, will ring the closing bell at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square, New York City on Monday, February 3, 2025. The company previously announced unaudited preliminary fourth quarter net sales between $45.1 million to $46.6 million and full year 2024 prelimin ...

Company Overview - Lifeway Foods is a leading US supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products, recognized as one of Forbes' Best Small Companies [6] - The company produces drinkable kefir, cheeses, and a ProBugs line for kids, with products sold in the US, Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, UAE, and France [6] Financial Performance - Lifeway's 2024 net sales are projected to range between $185.0 million to $186.5 million, up from $160.1 million in 2023 [3][8] - Preliminary unaudited Q4 2024 net sales are estimated between $45.1 million to $46.6 million [8] - The company has achieved 21 consecutive quarters of growth through Q4 2024 [5] - Lifeway delivered double-digit year-over-year revenue growth in Q3 2024 [5] - Total shareholder returns reached 788% over the past five years and 270% over the past three years as of September 23, 2024 [5] Acquisition Proposal - Lifeway's Board rejected Danone's acquisition offer, stating it severely undervalued the company based on independent financial and legal analysis [1] - The Board is open to a sale at a price that accurately reflects the company's true value [1] - Lifeway claims the 1999 Stockholders agreement with Danone violates Illinois law and intends to pursue legal remedies to nullify it [2] Leadership and Strategy - CEO Julie Smolyansky has led the company through a period of significant growth and success [5] - The Board believes Smolyansky's continued leadership is critical to the success of the company's standalone business plan [5] - Lifeway is assessing its relationship with Danone and exploring ways to protect the company's and shareholders' interests [4]

Core Insights - Lifeway Foods, Inc. is expanding the distribution of its ProBugs Organic Kefir for kids to over 250 Harris Teeter retail stores, featuring flavors like Strawnana and Goo-berry in single-serve pouches [1][3] - The ProBugs kefir is made with organic whole milk and contains 12 live and active probiotic cultures, designed for children with a focus on convenience and fun [2][3] - The U.S. kids and infant probiotic market is projected to reach $370.89 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.1% [3] Company Overview - Lifeway Foods, Inc. is recognized as a leading supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products, also producing a variety of cheeses and the ProBugs line for kids [5] - The company has a presence in multiple countries, including the U.S., Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, UAE, and France [5] Retail Partnership - Harris Teeter, a subsidiary of The Kroger Co., has been in operation for over 60 years and employs 36,000 associates across more than 250 stores [6]

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 Ameri ...

Core Insights - Lifeway Foods, Inc. has launched a new functional beverage called Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen, made with kefir cultures, aimed at supporting skin health, the immune system, and the microbiome [1][2][3] - The new product line includes four flavors: Matcha Latte, Berry Blast, Tropical Fruit, and Plain, each containing 5 grams of collagen per serving and is lactose-free, catering to the growing consumer demand for lactose-free dairy products [1][2] Product Details - The Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen features 12 live and active cultures, providing 25-30 billion beneficial CFUs (Colony Forming Units) per serving, which may enhance skin hydration, elasticity, smoothness, and joint health [2] - The beverage is designed to support the gut-skin axis, highlighting the interconnectedness of gut and skin health [2] Market Context - The launch is part of Lifeway's New Year New You Campaign for 2025, with products expected to begin shipping in December and available in select independent and specialty stores by the end of the year [3] - The product development has been in progress since 2021, indicating a strategic approach to market readiness [3] Company Background - Lifeway Foods is recognized as a leading supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products in the U.S., with a diverse product range including drinkable kefir and cheeses [5] - The company has a presence in multiple countries, including the U.S., Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, the UAE, and France, showcasing its international reach [5]

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.After careful and thorough consideration, conducted in consultation with it ...

Lifeway Foods, Inc. (LWAY) posted third-quarter 2024 results, with the top line increasing year over year but falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Meanwhile, the bottom line declined year over year and missed the consensus mark as well. Lifeway Foods marked its 20th consecutive quarter of net sales growth. The quarter marked the second-highest quarterly net sales in the company's history, driven by the strong performance of its flagship product, Lifeway Kefir. Looking ahead, Lifeway intends to str ...

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. Securi ...

Lifeway Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ:LWAY) Q3 2024 Earnings Conference Call November 14, 2024 9:00 AM ET Company Participants Julie Smolyansky - President and Chief Executive Officer Conference Call Participants Operator Good morning. Welcome to Lifeway Foods' Third Quarter 2024 Conference Call. On the call with me today is, Julie Smolyansky, President and Chief Executive Officer. By now everyone should have access to the press release that went out this morning. If you have not received the release, it is available ...