Arbor Investments Sells Great Kitchens, Inc. to ARYZTA AG
For Immediate Release
Chicago, Illinois-based Arbor Investments announced today that it has sold its portfolio company Great Kitchens, Inc. to ARYZTA AG (SIX: ARYN) for US$180 million. Great Kitchens, Inc. headquartered in Romeoville, Illinois is a leading supplier of pizza and appetizers with a focus on the deli segment of the North American retail grocery channel. The company is recognized as the industry leader in innovative food solutions by partnering with customers, suppliers and employees, and having a passion for quality. Great Kitchens was led by CEO Dennis M. Malchow and President Jerry Coghlan. Previously, Mr. Malchow served as CEO for The Martin-Brower Company and Mr. Coghlan held a senior executive position at Kraft Foods.
Chicago, Illinois-based Arbor Investments, LLC is one of the only private equity firms in North America that invests exclusively on the food, beverage and related industries.
ARYZTA AG (‘ARYZTA’) is a Swiss company based in Zurich with significant food manufacturing and marketing operations in North America, Europe, South East Asia and Australia. ARYZTA has a primary listing on the SIX Swiss Exchange and a secondary listing on the ISE Irish Exchange (SIX: ARYN, ISE: YZA).ARYZTA is the majority shareholder (71.4%) in Origin Enterprises plc, which has a listing on the AIM in London and the IEX in Dublin (AIM: OGN, IEX: OIZ).
BMO Capital Markets served as exclusive financial advisor to Arbor. DLA Piper provided legal counsel to Arbor.
For more information, please contact Arbor’s Kimberly Harrod at 312-981-3777