USA- A US-based Ellison Bakery has been acquired by QualiTech, a manufacturer focused on plant and animal nutrition as well as food ingredients.
This acquisition, announced on August 22, 2024, marks a significant strategic move for QualiTech, which is a portfolio company of MidOcean Partners, an investment firm based in New York.
The deal’s financial details have not been disclosed, but it highlights the growing trend of consolidation within the food industry.
Ellison Bakery, founded in 1945 and headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is well-known for producing cookies, snack bars, crunches, toppings, and inclusion ingredients.
These products cater to various sectors, including retail, food service, and private-label markets. The acquisition comes as QualiTech aims to enhance its offerings and expand its market reach.
QualiTech identified Ellison as a prime target for acquisition early in the underwriting process. According to Steven Loeffler, MidOcean’s managing director, the decision was driven by the “highly complementary nature of its products to the ingredient solutions that QualiTech provides.”
Loeffler emphasized that this acquisition is pivotal for QualiTech, stating, “The transformational combination of these two businesses reinforces QualiTech’s position as a differentiated ingredients platform and provides an entry into compelling new product applications and end markets.”
Rick Pedersen, CEO of QualiTech, echoed these sentiments, noting that the merger will be mutually beneficial. “Bringing Ellison into the QualiTech family will be beneficial for both companies as well as our customers,” Pedersen remarked.
He added that the combined platform will allow for scaling services, enhancing product capabilities, and accessing a larger addressable market.
This acquisition accelerates QualiTech’s mission to lead in providing specialty ingredients that enhance the sensory experiences of consumers’ favorite foods.
Stephanie Chattillion, CEO of Ellison Bakery, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the alignment in customer service philosophies.
“We are excited to partner with QualiTech and to leverage MidOcean’s resources and expertise in the food business to drive success for the combined company,” Chattillion stated.
She emphasized that QualiTech’s approach to customer service closely aligns with Ellison’s commitment to delivering high-quality products.
The acquisition is part of a broader trend in the food industry, where companies are increasingly looking to consolidate resources and expand their product lines to meet evolving consumer demands.
As consumers seek more personalized and diverse food options, companies like QualiTech and Ellison Bakery are positioning themselves to capture a larger share of the market.
The acquisition of Ellison Bakery by QualiTech represents a strategic alignment of two companies dedicated to quality and innovation in the food sector.
As they combine their strengths, both firms are poised to enhance their product offerings and better serve their customers in an ever-changing market landscape.
This partnership not only signifies growth for QualiTech but also sets the stage for Ellison Bakery to expand its reach and capabilities in the food industry.
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