Arbor Investments (“Arbor”), a specialized private equity firm that focuses exclusively on investing in the food, beverage and related industries announced today the appointment of Tom Halverson as Operating Partner effective immediately. In addition to providing insight on new platforms, Halverson will specifically advise Arbor Fund IV portfolio company, The Bakery Companies and Arbor Fund III portfolio company, Keyes Packaging Group.

Halverson, who most recently served as Chief Financial Officer for Inari Agriculture, Inc., brings more than 30 years of industry experience to Arbor. Halverson spent the bulk of his career leading middle market mergers and acquisitions at independent investment bank, Piper Sandler Cos. (“Piper”, and formerly known as Piper Jaffray) most recently as a Group Head of the Agriculture, Clean Technology and Renewables Group. During his 23-year run at Piper, Halverson held multiple roles in the Consumer group primarily working with food and agriculture companies. He received an MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and graduated cum laude in Economics from Harvard College.

Commenting on the hire, Arbor Co-Founder and CEO Gregory Purcell stated, “I’ve known Tom for over two decades and am confident his industry expertise, unique perspectives and experiences working with founder/family-owned companies during ownership transitions, as well as his extensive range of relationships will be invaluable to Arbor and our portfolio companies. As we continue to grow, it is critical we add A-team players like Tom to the Arbor roster.”

“At Arbor, we differentiate ourselves with the high caliber of resources we deploy to our portfolio companies and our Operating Partners are critical to that strategy,” said Arbor Senior Operating Partner Tim Fallon. “Tom embodies the traits we look for in an Operating Partner and his involvement with so many middle market companies over the years is highly advantageous. His unique blend of transactional and operational expertise will be invaluable, as ongoing M&A is a critical value driver across all of our portfolio companies. We’re delighted to welcome Tom to the team and look forward to the impact he’ll have at Arbor.”

Halverson added, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Greg and the Arbor team over the years and have always been impressed with their deep operational expertise and resource intensive approach. It is clear this approach is a key component in achieving top quartile returns. I’m honored to join such a talented team and excited to help drive value at our portfolio companies.”