Mergers & Acquisitions

Annie's, a natural and organic food company, has added Robert W. Black, a senior adviser to the Boston Consulting Group and former group president of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, to its board of directors. Black will serve as chairman of the Annie's nominating/corporate governance committee.

In its PizzaRev case study series, CSA offers an insider’s look at the conception, initial rollout and growth of the southern California-based fast-casual concept PizzaRev. Likened to “the Chipotle of pizza,” this innovative chain lets customers choose from an artisanal array of toppings to craft their own pizzas very quickly in a high-end stone hearth oven.

New York -- Trader Joe’s continues its expansion in South Florida with fall openings planned for three stores in Palm Beach County, the Sun Sentinel reported.

The grocer will open locations in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Boca Raton, all in September, the report said.

MWV’s board of directors chose James Nevels as a new member, the packaging company announced Thursday.
 
Nevels, the 62-year-old chairman of the Philadelphia-based investment advisory firm The Swarthmore Group and president of the Hershey Company’s board of directors, will work on MWV’s development and auditing committees. He joins the board as the company works to increase its margin goals and expand its packaging endeavors.
 

Irving, Texas -- Michaels Cos. has raised $472 million in an initial public offering. The arts-and-crafts retailer priced 27.8 million shares at $17 each, which was at the low end of its predicted range. It plans to use the IPO's proceeds to pay down its debt.

The chain, which operates stores under its namesake banner and Aaron Brothers, could raise up to $543 million if underwriters use their option to buy additional shares. 

The stock was expected to start trading Friday on the Nasdaq under the symbol "MIK."

Los Angeles -- Drybar, the leading blowdry-only salon concept, has received a $20 million investment led by SPK Capital and existing investor, Castanea Partners.
 

New York -- Creative Realities and Wireless Ronin Technologies, a leading marketing technologies solutions provider, announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement.