Kraft still targeting Unilever for merge

NEW YORK — Kraft Heinz is attempting to buy Unilever in a $143 billion deal that would join the U.S. maker of cheeses and lunch meats with the European producer of mayo, teas and seasonings in a global powerhouse.

Unilever rejected the approach and called the price too low, while Kraft Heinz says it’s still interested in a deal. The shares of both companies surged to new highs as investors saw prospects for cost cutting.

A combination of Kraft Heintz, which sells Oscar Mayer meats, Jell-O pudding and Velveeta cheese, and Unilever, which owns brands including Hellmann’s, Lipton and Knorr, would rival Nestle

way for them to be able to play year-round,” owner David Straub said with a laugh. “Volleyball’s just a great sport for all ages and skill levels, for men and women.”

The addition will expand the number of courts at Flannagan’s from 13 to 16: 10 outdoor, 6 indoor. There currently are 13 outdoor courts at the 21-yearold facility.

Straub, a Westerville native who graduated from Ohio State University, said some people assume Flannagan’s is a 21-and-over facility since it’s known for its bar, St. Patrick’s Day bash and summertime swim-up pool bar added several years ago.

But he emphasized that it’s open to all ages and has been hosting an increasing number of youth-volleyball events.

Columbus is a growing center for volleyball. In December, it hosted the women’s NCAA Division 1 championship that was aired on ESPN.

Doug Beal, a former Ohio State volleyball player and coach, coached the first U.S. men’s volleyball team to win at the Olympics in 1984 and is now CEO of USA Volleyball. A volleyball-equipment maker that Beal co-founded years ago, Sport Imports, is still based in Hilliard.

With an assist from its popularity during recent Olympic games, women’s beach volleyball has become the fastest-growing sport among Division I colleges. There were 60 varsity teams by the last academic year, up from zero in 2011-12.

Straub estimates the new building will require 250 tons of sand to be trucked into Flannagan’s. He says the new space may be used occasionally to host other events, but volleyball will be its main focus.