Akerman served as legal counsel to Calbee, Inc., in its acquisition of a 58 percent majority stake in Hodo, Inc., a leading sustainable tofu and plant-based foods company based in Oakland, California. The deal marks Calbee’s strategic entry into the U.S. plant-based foods market.

As part of the transaction, Sagamiya Foods Co., Ltd., a top Japanese tofu manufacturer, acquired a 10 percent stake in Hodo and will provide technical support to promote tofu culture across the U.S.

Founded in 2004, Hodo is recognized for high-quality tofu, yuba, and other plant-based products made from organic, non-GMO soybeans.

Calbee, founded in 1949, is a global snack food leader known for innovation and quality. With a presence across Asia, North America and the UK, Calbee produces a variety of potato, wheat, and corn-based snacks, as well as cereals, that support healthier, enjoyable lifestyles. This acquisition aligns with Calbee’s “Change 2025” transformation plan, focusing on international growth and innovation in the Food and Health sector. By combining Hodo’s U.S. expertise with Sagamiya’s technical knowledge, Calbee aims to meet growing consumer demand for sustainable and healthy foods.

The Akerman team was led by Japan Transactional Team Co-Leader Hiroshi Sarumida and Associate Asami Ono.

The Akerman team advising Calbee included Karyn Koiffman, Rick Fucci, Louis Giovachino, Annie Nosich, Paola Benitez, Damien Delaney, Melissa Zinkil, Angelica Fortney, Gabe Marinaro, Zoe Bekas, Zain Abidi, Catherine Bentley Harris, William Sullivan, Robert Loewy, Heather Preston, Chelsy Lutz, Robyn Neely, Felicia Nowels, Li Massie, Christy Hawkins, Paul Rutigliano, and Christine Kim.

The team provided strategic legal guidance on a range of matters related to the acquired company’s business operations and regulatory compliance.

About Akerman
Founded in 1920, Akerman is recognized as one of the country’s premier law firms, with more than 700 lawyers throughout the United States.