Weight Watchers Sells $250 Mln Notes to Fund Buyout From Heinz

Weight Watchers International Inc. borrowed $250 million in the U.S. and European junk bond markets to help fund the buyout of the global weight-control company from H.J. Heinz & Company.

The Woodbury, New York-based company, which operates classes preaching the virtues of a balanced diet and exercise in 29 countries, sold $150 million and 100 million euros ($104 million) each of 10-year senior subordinated notes. The notes priced at 100 to yield 13 percent -- above the 12 1/4 to 12 1/2 percent range pitched to investors by bankers at Credit Suisse First Boston and Scotia Capital Markets.