CHICAGO, May 1, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Orval Kent Food Company Inc., a portfolio company of Questor Management Company, has acquired Fresh Creative Foods LLC. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
RSM EquiCo Capital Markets LLC initiated the transaction, led the negotiations and acted as the exclusive advisor to Fresh Creative Foods.
"Fresh Creative was a highly strategic acquisition for Orval Kent," said Brian Boyle, senior managing director, RSM EquiCo. "The acquisition provides Orval Kent access to an outstanding product line to complement its existing portfolio, the ability to distribute popular regional products nationwide and further penetration of top-tier retailers. It also adds a much-needed protein cooking line to expand on its existing offerings."
RSM EquiCo's Food & Beverage Investment Banking Group contributed to the successful close of this transaction. The group is led by Boyle.
About RSM EquiCo Capital Markets
RSM EquiCo Capital Markets LLC (www.rsmequico.com) is a global provider of investment banking services to private and public companies with annual revenues of up to $1 billion. The firm's services include mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, recapitalizations, capital raising and fairness opinions. RSM EquiCo Capital Markets, which offers in-depth expertise in 12 distinct industry sectors, brings together companies, capital and creativity on a national and international scale to help clients achieve their personal and strategic objectives.
RSM EquiCo Capital Markets is affiliated with RSM McGladrey Inc., one of the nation's largest providers of business and tax consulting, wealth management, retirement resources and payroll services to midsized companies.
RSM EquiCo Capital Markets is licensed by the SEC and all state securities authorities, and is a member of FINRA and SIPC. The firm's international headquarters are located in Costa Mesa, Calif. It also has offices in Chicago, Boston, New York and London.
About Fresh Creative Foods LLC
Fresh Creative Foods is a processor and distributor of a diverse array of ready-to-eat refrigerated gourmet meals and side dishes. The company specializes in chicken dishes and its proprietary product line includes salads, dips, spreads and entrees. Fresh Creative produces original "California Style" ready-to-eat gourmet food products. Fresh Creative Foods is based in San Diego, Calif.
About Orval Kent Food Company Inc.
Founded in 1952, Orval Kent Foods Company (www.orvalkent.com) provides "best in class" quality and freshness as the preferred single-source refrigerated prepared foods supplier for retail and foodservice customers. The company manufactures and sells a wide variety of fresh, refrigerated foods such as deli-style salads, component kit salads, mashed potatoes and side dishes, fresh cut fruit, dips and salad dressing. Orval Kent operates out of manufacturing and distribution centers in California, Illinois, Kansas, Ohio, Texas and Mexico. Orval Kent Foods is based in Wheeling, Ill.
About Questor Management Company
Founded in 1995, Questor Management Company (www.questorfund.com) specializes in the acquisition of companies with performance-improvement opportunities, including corporate divestitures, underperforming and troubled companies, and special situations. The firm makes controlling investments in equity capital across most industries. Questor is based in Southfield, Mich.