LA BREA ACQUISITION TO FUEL GROWTH

LOS ANGELES -- The acquisition of La Brea Bakery Holdings by Dublin, Ireland-based IAWS Group will enable the artisan bread baker to further support expansion of its retail-focused "Store Baked" parbake program, as well as the startup of a 100,000-square-foot baking facility in the eastern United States, according to officials with both companies. The new bakery, expected to begin operation in the first quarter of 2002, will enable La Brea to serve supermarkets and related retail accounts nationwide.