Turnspire Capital Partners has announced that an affiliate has acquired LifeLine Foods and ICM Biofuels, combining both operations to form The LifeLine Group. The newly established platform will operate its food division as LifeLine Foods and its biofuels business under the rebranded name LifeLine Biofuels. Turnspire partnered with AgraMarke Quality Grains, Inc., a Missouri-based cooperative of corn farmers, in the formation of LifeLine.
Based in St. Joseph, Missouri, LifeLine’s food division is a major manufacturer of corn-based products, including cornstarch, masa, and other key ingredients, serving customers across the food and beverage, as well as building materials markets. The newly branded LifeLine Biofuels will utilize the starch stream from the food operation to produce renewable fuels and other low-carbon-intensity products, driving efficiency and sustainability across the combined business.
As part of the integration, Turnspire appointed industry veteran Jeremy Bezdek as President and Chief Executive Officer of LifeLine. Bezdek brings more than 26 years of experience from Koch Industries, where he led the growth of Flint Hills Resources’ biofuels division before its acquisition by POET and later served as Managing Director within Koch’s investment arm.
The transaction marks Turnspire’s continued investment in industrial and manufacturing platforms , which arepositioned for sustainable growth. Abel S. Osorio, Partner at Turnspire, emphasized the firm’s commitment to building long-term value through strategic alignment with both AgraMarke and LifeLine’s leadership team. The appointment of Bezdek signals a strong focus on operational excellence and innovation as the combined platform seeks to expand its impact in the renewable energy and food sectors.
AgraMarke, which founded LifeLine in 2001, remains an integral partner in the new venture. The cooperative’s involvement reinforces LifeLine’s regional roots and its ongoing commitment to supporting local growers and the communities they serve.
Advisors/support: Advising on the transaction, Chemlink Partners served as financial advisor and Freshfields LLP acted as legal counsel to Turnspire, while Portage Point Partners provided financial advisory services to LifeLine Foods and ICM Biofuels.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are thrilled to unify the LifeLine platform under a shared vision for growth. LifeLine operates at the intersection of food and renewable energy, where we see meaningful opportunities to enhance performance, expand capabilities, and build long-term value. We are excited to partner with AgraMarke, which is a vital part of LifeLine’s ecosystem, and Jeremy Bezdek, whose experience makes him the ideal CEO to lead this business.”
Abel S. Osorio, Partner at Turnspire Capital Partners
“I appreciate the confidence that Turnspire has placed in me and the exceptional LifeLine team. Through the transaction process, I have seen Turnspire’s commitment to operational excellence and disciplined value creation; together we will build on LifeLine’s strong foundation to create a best-in-class platform.”
Jeremy Bezdek, President and Chief Executive Officer of LifeLine
“Having founded LifeLine in 2001, we take great pride in the company’s history and its role in supporting the region’s growers, customers, and communities. We are confident that, in partnership with Turnspire, we will continue to strengthen LifeLine’s legacy of innovation, quality, and growth.”
Chuck Bebermeyer, President of AgraMarke Quality Grains
