NORTHFIELD, Ill. — Kraft Foods Group, Inc. said its shareholders on July 1 voted to approve the previously announced merger agreement with The Heinz Co. More than 98 percent of votes cast at the special meeting voted in favor of the transaction, which will create The Kraft Heinz Co., the third-largest food and beverage company in North America and the fifth-largest food and beverage company in the world.

Alex Behring, future chairman of The Kraft Heinz Co.

“Today’s approval to create The Kraft Heinz Co. will unite two powerful businesses, deliver incredible shareholder value, and provide a platform for growth both domestically and internationally,” said Alex Behring, future chairman of The Kraft Heinz Co. and managing partner at 3G Capital. The merger was announced on March 25 and received regulatory approvals in the United States and Canada. The merger is expected to be completed after the stock market closes today.