Hormel Foods Corp. announced an agreement to acquire the Country Crock chilled side dish line from Unilever United States Inc., of Englewood Cliffs, N.J.

The transaction is expected to close by February 2010.

The Country Crock chilled side dish line was introduced in 2004 and consists of 10 varieties of refrigerated, microwaveable, multi-portion, potato- and pasta-based side dish products.

“The acquisition of Country Crock microwaveable, refrigerated side dishes represents a significant opportunity for Hormel Foods to advance its participation in the growing segments of convenient meals and side dishes,” said Hormel CEO Jeffrey M. Ettinger in a press release. “The line nicely complements our existing protein-based refrigerated products and aligns with our goal of elevating the everyday experience by making Hormel Foods the favorite part of any eating occasion.”

Hormel Foods currently manufactures and sells microwaveable main dishes, including Hormel refrigerated entrees and Lloyd’s prepared entrees, consisting primarily of meat or poultry.

Hormel Foods was advised in this transaction by Centerview Partners LLC. Hormel Foods has not released the terms of the deal.