Irwindale, CA – August 26, 2013 – Nellson Nutraceutical LLC (“Nellson” or the “Company”), the leading provider of nutraceutical branded and private-label products in North America, has been acquired today by affiliates of Kohlberg & Company, L.L.C. (“Kohlberg”), a leading private equity firm based in Mount Kisco, New York.
Nellson is the leading formulator of branded and private-label nutritional bar and functional powder products in North America. The Company develops and manufactures nutritional bars and functional powders in a wide variety of ingredient formulations and product formats for its customer base of consumer packaged goods companies and retailers across the wellness, sports nutrition, weight control, athletic/energy, and medical nutrition end-markets.
“Kohlberg & Company is an excellent fit for Nellson,” said Allan Lutz, CEO of Nellson. “This transaction will give Nellson access to capital and talent, and it positions the company to continue to thrive in the future. We look forward to working with Kohlberg to continue to provide our customers with innovative and best-in-class nutraceutical products.”
Backed by the strength of Kohlberg’s private equity funds, this merger is expected to accelerate Nellson’s growth. Seth Hollander, Partner of Kohlberg, commented, “We are impressed with Nellson’s high-quality and diverse product offerings, supported by its robust research and development expertise and state-of- the-art manufacturing capabilities. We look forward to working closely with the Company to support its continued growth and development.”
Houlihan Lokey acted as financial advisor to Nellson, and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld L.L.P. acted as legal advisor to Nellson. Kohlberg was advised by Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison L.L.P.
About Nellson Nutraceutical LLC
Found in 1962, Nellson is the leading provider of nutraceutical branded and private-label bar and powder products in North America. The Company designs and manufacture highly nutritious, fortified products that meet consumer demands for superior flavor, texture, convenience, and appetite appeal. For further information on Nellson and its various products, please visit our web site at www.nellsonllc.com.
About Kohlberg & Company
Kohlberg & Company, L.L.C. (“Kohlberg”) is a leading U.S. private equity firm headquartered in Mount Kisco, New York. Since its inception in 1987, Kohlberg has completed 60 platform investments and more than 100 add-on acquisitions, with an aggregate transaction value of approximately $9 billion. Kohlberg has invested over $3 billion during its history and is currently investing its seventh private equity fund, Kohlberg Investors VII. For more information, visit www.kohlberg.com.