Conagra Brands, the leading US food manufacturer, is to acquire Birds Eye owner Pinnacle Foods in a cash and stock deal worth $10.9 billion, the two firms have announced in a statement. The deal will reportedly make the combined company the second leading player in US frozen food behind Nestle. In addition to Birds Eye, Pinnacle Foods markets brands such as Duncan Hines, Earth Balance, EVOL, Erin’s, Gardein, Glutino, Hawaiian Kettle …