Investment in Unconsolidated Entities

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block]

Investments in unconsolidated entities

In 2015, the Company acquired, for a final net purchase price of $418 million, a 50% interest in Multipro Singapore Pte. Ltd. (Multipro), a leading distributor of a variety of food products in Nigeria and Ghana and also obtained a call option to acquire 24.5% of an affiliated food manufacturing entity under common ownership based on a fixed multiple of future earnings as defined in the agreement (Purchase Option).  The acquisition of the 50% interest is accounted for under the equity method of accounting.  The Purchase Option, is recorded at cost and has been monitored for impairment through September 30, 2017 with no impairment being required.  In July 2017, the Company received notification that the entity, through June 30, 2017, had achieved the level of earnings as defined in the agreement for the purchase option to become exercisable for a one year period.  During the exercise period, the Company will validate the information provided in the notification and evaluate whether to exercise its right to acquire the 24.5% interest. While no decision to exercise the option has been made by the Company, if the option is exercised, the Company would acquire 24.5% of the affiliated food manufacturing entity for approximately $400 million.