HR0944 Summary

• Commends Lifeway Foods, Inc., headquartered in Morton Grove, for its achievements as a leading producer of probiotic and cultured dairy products founded in 1986 by Michael Smolyansky.

• Recognizes Lifeway's financial success with record annual net sales of $160.1 million in 2023 (13.1% increase), net income of $11.4 million, and employment of approximately 288 individuals in Illinois.

• Acknowledges Lifeway's global expansion including exports to Mexico, the Caribbean, South Africa, France, and a distribution agreement in the United Arab Emirates as of November 2024.

• Expresses concern about an unsolicited acquisition proposal from Danone North America PBC and the potential negative impacts on Illinois workforce, operations, and economic activity from such acquisition.

• Reaffirms support for maintaining Lifeway Foods' independence and Illinois-based operations to preserve jobs, innovation, and economic benefits to the state.