Guardian Capital Partners has completed the acquisition of Nügredient Solutions, marking the fourth platform investment for its Fund IV and its first within the firm’s Food & Beverage-focused Guardian Priority Sector program.
Headquartered in Modesto, California, Nügredient Solutions was founded in 2008 and has built a position as a developer and manufacturer of specialty nut-based and plant-based ingredient solutions. The company serves consumer packaged goods and foodservice customers across North America, offering customized formulations supported by vertically integrated sourcing and manufacturing capabilities.
As part of the transaction, co-founder and CEO Bob Farinha will retain a meaningful ownership stake and continue leading the company’s operations and executive team.
Guardian Capital Partners said the acquisition aligns with its thematic investment strategy targeting founder-led businesses with differentiated capabilities in growing sectors. The firm views Nügredient as well positioned to benefit from increasing consumer demand for clean-label, functional, and plant-based food products, with opportunities to expand its customer base and invest further in research and development and manufacturing capabilities.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Goodwin Procter LLP served as legal advisor to Guardian, while BMO Capital Markets acted as financial advisor to Nügredient.
KEY QUOTES:
“Nügredient is directly aligned with the investment criteria we had outlined as part of Guardian’s Food & Beverage GPS program: a founder-built business with differentiated capabilities in a growing, on-trend ingredient category. We look forward to supporting the team as they continue to invest in their R&D and manufacturing capabilities to support their customers’ growth. We are excited to partner with Bob to continue building upon the impressive legacy and operation he has built over the past 20+ years.”
Molly Borowski, Principal at Guardian Capital Partners; Ryan Northington, Managing Partner at Guardian Capital Partners
“The partnership with Guardian represents an exciting milestone for Nügredient as we enter our next phase of growth. Through our partnership with Guardian, we can continue to deepen our relationships with existing customers, expand our customized capabilities to new customers, and further invest in the Company’s development and manufacturing capabilities, ensuring Nügredient continues to deliver the highest quality service and customized ingredient products our customers have grown to expect.”
Bob Farinha, Co-Founder And CEO Of Nügredient Solutions
