New York, New York and Chicago, Illinois – November 14, 2017 – Vestar Capital Partners (“Vestar”) today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Nonni’s Food Group (“Nonni’s”). Nonni’s is a leading manufacturer and marketer of artisanal cookies and other premium baked snacks. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2017.
Based in Oakbrook, IL, Nonni’s premium products are synonymous with artisanal, authentic, and Italian-inspired. Products are marketed under the Nonni’s, THINaddictives, and La Dolce Vita brand names, and sold through a diverse distribution platform that includes major customers in club, grocery, mass market, foodservice, and online retailing.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Vestar as we look to build upon Nonni’s growth and success. The Vestar team’s deep consumer experience will be invaluable as we work to expand our customer relationships, enter new channels, and continue to introduce new and innovative products to the marketplace,” said Brian Hansberry, CEO of Nonni’s.
“We see numerous growth avenues for Nonni’s premium, established brands,” said Brian O’Connor, Managing Director of Vestar and Co-Head of the Consumer Group. “We are excited to be partnering with Brian Hansberry, Chris Puma, and the rest of Nonni’s management team to pursue our shared vision for the Company.”
Latham & Watkins served as legal counsel to Vestar. Houlihan Lokey acted as financial advisor to Nonni’s and Kirkland & Ellis provided transaction counsel. Antares Holdings and Northwestern Mutual Capital provided financing for the transaction.
About Nonni’s Food Group
Nonni’s Food Group is the leading producer, marketer, and distributor of branded premium specialty cookies and baked goods in North America. The company sells products under the Nonni’s, THINaddictives, and La Dolce Vita brands. Headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., Nonni’s operates four facilities in Ferndale, N.Y.; Glendale, Ariz.; Tulsa, Okla.; and Montreal, Canada. It produces its traditional biscotti using the original family recipe including real eggs, butter, and gourmet bittersweet chocolate that gives the biscotti a light, crunchy texture that is delicately sweet. The devotion to real quality ingredients is the foundation for the continued success of the company. Nonni’s Biscotti is the number one-selling biscotti in the U.S. and the only national brand sold coast to coast. Additional information is available at www.nonnis.com.
About Vestar Capital Partners
Vestar Capital Partners is a leading U.S. middle-market private equity firm specializing in management buyouts and growth capital investments. Vestar invests and collaborates with incumbent management teams and private owners to build long-term enterprise value, with a focus on Consumer, Healthcare, and Business Services & Industrial Products. Since its founding in 1988, Vestar funds have completed more than 80 investments in companies – as well as more than 200 add-on acquisitions – with a total value of approximately $50 billion. For more information, please visit www.vestarcapital.com.
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Media Contacts:
Vestar Capital Partners
Owen Blicksilver Public Relations, Inc.
Carol Makovich
203-622-4781
Jennifer Hurson
845-507-0571
