Sept 2 (Reuters) - Kraft Heinz ( KHC ) will split into

two listed companies, one focused on groceries and the other on

sauces and spreads, undoing a decade-old merger as the packaged

foods maker aims to revive growth after years of sluggish sales.

The 2015 merger was spearheaded by Warren Buffett's

Berkshire Hathaway ( BRK/A ) and Brazilian private equity firm 3G

Capital. Hathaway owns a 27.5% stake and is the largest

shareholder in the company, according to data from LSEG.

Following are comments from company executives, analysts and

investors and industry leaders on the split:

MIGUEL PATRICIO, EXECUTIVE CHAIR OF KRAFT HEINZ BOARD

"The complexity of our current structure makes it

challenging to allocate capital effectively, prioritize

initiatives and drive scale in our most promising areas.

"By separating into two companies, we can allocate the right

level of attention and resources to unlock the potential of each

brand to drive better performance and the creation of long-term

shareholder value."

WARREN BUFFETT, CHAIRMAN, BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ( BRK/A )

"Disappointed" with the split, Buffett tells CNBC. The

merger did not turn out to be a brilliant idea, but taking the

company apart will not fix its problems.

"We will proceed to do whatever we think is in the best

interest of Berkshire."

BRIAN MULBERRY, SENIOR PORTFOLIO MANAGER AT ZACKS INVESTMENT

MANAGEMENT

"Overall, the split will address some long lingering

complaints around efficiency, giving each company more control

over the biggest drivers of cost. If successful, reducing costs

and elevating new products could be strong drivers of growth for

both companies."

"The key will be around future earnings per share (EPS)

growth and organic revenues."

RUSS MOULD, INVESTMENT DIRECTOR AT AJ BELL

"Confirmation from Kraft Heinz ( KHC ) that it is to split itself in

two is the latest move in a somewhat embattled consumer staples

industry, to conjure up growth and unlock value."

"The aim is to compete more effectively at a time when input

costs remain a challenge, demand is trending away from processed

foods and hard-pressed consumers may be tempted to spend more

carefully, either by cutting consumption or trading down through

brands."

MICHAEL LAVERY, SENIOR RESEARCH ANALYST, PIPER SANDLER

"Kraft Heinz ( KHC ) expects better growth opportunities for Global

Taste Elevation Co(sauces and spreads unit), including in

foodservice, but we see challenges for North America Grocery in

foodservice, unless Kraft Heinz ( KHC ) significantly reinvents those

brands."

SCOTT MARKS, EQUITY ANALYST, JEFFERIES

"For North American Grocery, given that profitability is

declining, and the brands face long-term weaker consumption

trends, questions remain on how profit will be sustained /

recovered. Net net, while the split addresses portfolio

complexity and should allow for more focused strategies,

questions remain around the true growth and margin potential for

both new companies."

(Reporting by Savyata Mishra, Juveria Tabassum, Akash Sriram in

Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)