Branding Iron, a prominent US supplier of branded and private label meat products, has been acquired by Kingswood Capital Management. The specifics of the transaction’s financial terms have not been disclosed.
Located in Sauget, Illinois, Branding Iron specializes in producing a diverse range of protein products, particularly focusing on frozen and refrigerated ground meats like beef patties. With a history spanning over 60 years, the company also operates facilities in Minnesota’s Rochester and Sauk Rapids.
In light of the acquisition, Andy Touchette has been elevated from chief operating officer to chief executive officer, while John Niemann will assume the role of executive chairman on the company’s board of directors.
Following the acquisition, Kingswood’s managing director Andrew Kovach expressed confidence in Branding Iron’s quality, customer relations, and robust manufacturing capabilities. “We firmly believe in the company’s quality, customer relationships, and strong manufacturing capabilities. Given Kingswood’s experience in the food space, we are excited to partner with the current management team as well as John Niemann to take the business to the next level,” he stated.
Touchette echoed this sentiment, saying, “It was important to us to identify a long-term partner which will help us grow and support customers across every channel, and we believe we found that in Kingswood.” He added, “We are proud of what we have built at Branding Iron and are highly confident that customers will continue to enjoy the quality and service they have grown accustomed to, while we seek out ways to improve upon our excellent standards of delivery.”
Branding Iron’s transformation in 2007 resulted from the merger between Holten Meats and Rochester Meat Company, originally established in 1971.
This acquisition is part of Kingswood’s broader strategy to invest in the food and beverage sector, following its recent purchase of Corbion’s emulsifiers business. This could influence food and beverage industry trends moving forward, catering to evolving consumer expectations in the food and drink business.
