Vestar Capital Partners Acquires Majority Interest in Roland Foods

American Roland Food Corp. and Vestar Capital Partners announced that Vestar Capital Partners VI, L.P. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a majority interest in the Roland Foods family of companies, including Bruno Scheidt, American Roland Food Corp., Pro Warehouse Corp. and Costamar Corp. Terms were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close by the end of September. Roland Foods is a recognized leader in the imported specialty foods business in the U.S. and around the globe. “My parents started Roland Foods in the U.S. nearly 75 years ago, and the company has grown consistently over the years with the help of our valued customers, suppliers and staff,” says Charles E. Scheidt, a member of the company’s founding family and CEO of Roland Foods. “Vestar appreciates and shares our values, as well as our company’s single-minded focus on our brands, quality products, and exceptional and reliable customer service. This evolution enables Roland Foods to build on its excellent foundation.” The management team and staff will remain in place. Charlie Scheidt will continue as CEO and Chairman of the Board and will retain a meaningful investment in the company. The company anticipates that a new CEO will be named in the coming year. Roland Foods expects a seamless transition for the suppliers, vendors and customers, with continuity, stability and growth being top priorities. “Roland Foods is a great company with a unique niche and superb reputation in the industry, and an exceptional initial investment for our new Vestar VI fund,” says Dan O’Connell, Founder and CEO of Vestar. “Roland Foods is not only performing extremely well but also has impressive potential. Coupled with the bright growth outlook we see in the specialty foods sector, we believe Vestar’s resources and experience in the food and branded products arena can help Roland Foods grow substantially.” Wells Fargo Securities acted as the M&A advisor to Vestar in this transaction. Financing for the transaction was provided by BMO Capital Markets and GE Capital Markets.  Vestar’s legal advisor was Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Evercore Partners served as financial advisor to American Roland Food Corp. and McDermott Will & Emery LLP served as legal advisor.