Land O’Frost Acquires Wellshire Farms

Deli meat and sausage provider Land O’Frost has acquired Wellshire Farms Inc., a supplier of all-natural beef, pork and poultry products. With Wellshire’s establishment in specialty retailers including Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts Farmers Market, Earth Fare and Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, the deal provides Land O’Frost with an entry into the natural and organic category.

Land O’Frost will acquire all of Wellshire’s assets including its entire brand portfolio, which features the Wellshire, Wellshire Organic, Wellshire Kids, Garrett Valley, Colameco’s, Colameco’s Primo Naturale, Lou’s Famous and Woodstown Farms and Homestyle Meals brands.

Bulkley Capital LP advised Land O’Frost on the transaction. The terms were not disclosed.

“We’re bringing together two family-owned companies that are not only committed to producing quality products, but also have a rich and longstanding heritage in the meat industry,” said David Van Eekeren, president and CEO of Lansing, Ill.-based Land O’Frost, in a statement. “We’ve admired Wellshire for quite some time, and we’re impressed with their leadership in the natural/organic space and established relationships with leading retailers. We look forward to welcoming Wellshire to the Land O’Frost family and entering the natural/organic space in such a considerable fashion.”

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The acquisition is a strategic move in Land O’Frost’s growth plans, which include entering new categories that compliment its existing portfolio. The addition of Wellshire expands Land O’Frost’s offerings to feature recognized natural and organic brands that include breakfast meats, deli meats, hams, hot dogs, snack meats and specialty meats.

“Joining the Land O’ Frost family represents an important and strategic milestone for Wellshire Farms,” said Lou Colameco, president and CEO of Swedesboro, N.J.-based Wellshire Farms, in a statement. “The opportunity to combine forces with another family-owned and -operated company as strong as Land O’Frost will provide us with the ability to further grow our brands, expand our distribution and provide new growth opportunities for our employees. In addition, we believe the combined company will also be able to reach more retail outlets and customers that value our high-quality products.”