Year in Review: Top Supplier News of 2014

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — Mergers and acquisitions were the talk of the convenience store supplier community in 2014.

Reynolds American Inc.'s merger with Lorillard Inc. was the largest in terms of dollars, valued at $27.4 billion. This transaction is still pending due to continued antitrust review by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, but the deal is expected to be completed in 2015.

Corporate rebranding stories were also prominent throughout the year.

These are the top 10 supplier news headlines of 2014, as reported by CSNews Online:

1. RAI Takes Lorillard in $27.4B Deal
Imperial Tobacco will acquire several brands for $7.1 billion.

2. Tyson Wins Bidding War for Hillshire
Its $7.7-billion bid prompted rival Pilgrim's Pride to withdraw offer.

3. Hershey Unveils a Fresh, Modern Look
Redesign includes new logo and visual identity system.

4. General Mills Transforms Its Convenience & Foodservice Division
Company partnerships bring innovation to new products for the channel.

5. Coke Grabs a Long-Term Stake in Monster
The $2.15B deal is expected to accelerate growth for both companies.​

6. Mondelez Sells Snackwell's Business
Back to Nature Foods Co. buys the cookies and snacks brand.

7. Gilbarco & VeriFone Join Forces for Payment, Digital Media Solutions
They create world's largest at-pump, interactive digital media network.

8. Kellogg Reinstates Kashi as Standalone Business
Move is intended to provide "significant growth opportunities."

9. Merchant Customer Exchange Unveils CurrentC
The mobile wallet will roll out nationally in 2015.

10. Altria Completes Green Smoke Acquisition
Tobacco company's Nu Mark division pays $110M in cash for e-vapor business.

Stay tuned to CSNews Online through Jan. 5 for more 2014 Year in Review recaps.