The Heartland Food Products Group—manufacturer of low calorie sweeteners, drink mixes, coffee, and nutritional beverages—has entered into an agreement to acquire the Splenda low calorie sweetener brand from McNeil Nutritionals, LLC, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.

"We are very excited about our opportunity to own the Splenda brand business and welcome a talented team of professionals to our organization,” said Ted Gelov, Heartland chairman and CEO. “Splenda fits well within our strategy to offer the very best tasting products to sweeten foods and beverages without adding calories. The acquisition of Splenda further enhances our ability to offer our consumers products that support their growing desire to live healthier lives.”

 The transaction is expected to close before the end of the year. Financial terms of the were not disclosed. The acquisition of Splenda is expected to provide over 100 new jobs across Heartland’s home base in Indianapolis at the company’s manufacturing plant, distribution center, and Carmel corporate office.