Café Valley has been acquired by the private equity firm known as Swander Pace Capital.
Swander Pace specializes in investments in consumer product companies. The firm announced the move on its website on Sept. 10.
Café Valley manufactures muffins, cakes and croissants among other baked goods for foodservice across North America.
Café Valley’s General Manager Paul Dash said the company is excited about the move, saying it’s a “very good company” with “a very good reputation.”
He added that Swander Pace often acquires companies and then grooms and grows the business, often with the help of automation.
As of late, Dash said nothing has happened as the two entities are still getting to know one another. However, he did add that there are talks about more production lines coming to the factory in the next one to two years.
According to a Swander Pace’s press release, the current CEO Brian Owens will continue to serve as Café Valley’s chief executive, working with Swander Pace to “grow the company by strengthening its customer partnerships, investing in new product innovation, and expanding its distribution footprint across North America.”
Swander Pace added that Café Valley was acquired because of the culmination of several factors.
“Café Valley is already a leader in the category thanks to its long history, high-quality diversified product offering, unmatched customer service and best-in-class production facilities,” said Tyler Matlock, Director at Swander Pace Capital. “Brian’s extensive experience, keen vision and deep knowledge of the bakery space make him an ideal partner to lead the company into its next phase of growth and expansion.”
On the move, Owens said he also believes Swander Pace will help to grow the company.
“I am excited to work with the talented team at Swander Pace to increase our market share, product offering and distribution footprint,” Owens said. “They have deep understanding and experience in the competitive bakery niche, as well as a strong track record of giving companies the advice and backing they need to succeed.”
He added, “I am exceedingly grateful to Café Valley’s selling shareholders and previous owners,” Owens said. “Their collective vision and willingness to invest in the company’s future has made Café Valley the thriving operation that it is today. I look forward to working with Swander Pace to build on this legacy of success.”
According to a Swander Pace press release, this move marks one of Swander Pace’s most recent investments in the baked goods industry, having completed previous transactions with Bäckerhaus Veit, Voortman Cookies, Pineridge Bakery, Ideal Snacks, and Nonni’s.
The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
