The new owners of H.J. Heinz Co. have offered buyouts to all 775 workers in Pittsburgh, where the ketchup-and-food giant has been based for decades, but says the move doesn't signal a plan to move the company's headquarters.
Instead, Heinz officials say the buyout is being offered because the new owners Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital — a Brazilian investment firm — recognize the company's new culture might not be "the perfect fit" for long-time Pittsburgh-based employees.
The buyout offers, which begin at six months' severance pay and increase depending on years of service, were sent out last week to all 775 Pittsburgh employees.
They'll have until Monday to decide whether to accept.
Heinz officials say any workers who quit will be replaced, leaving it with the same number of Pittsburgh employees.
