HKW, a middle-market private equity firm focused on growth-oriented companies, today announced that its portfolio company, Fresh Direct Produce, Ltd. (“Fresh Direct Produce”), has acquired Emperor Specialty Foods (“Emperor”). Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“With a talented management team and range of complementary products, we are confident Emperor will prove an important addition to Fresh Direct Produce, and play a critical role in our value-driven growth plan”
Founded in 1986, Emperor is a distributor of mushrooms, pears, and other specialty fruits and vegetables. This add-on provides meaningful growth opportunities for Fresh Direct Produce, which distributes more than 1,000 domestic, imported, and organic fruit and vegetable items. Emperor is headquartered in Richmond, BC, Canada.
“With a talented management team and range of complementary products, we are confident Emperor will prove an important addition to Fresh Direct Produce, and play a critical role in our value-driven growth plan,” said Davis Yung, President, CEO, and co-founder of Fresh Direct Produce.
“The addition of Emperor’s products and customers, as well as a new location, will allow for smart, strategic growth opportunities,” said Kent Robinson, HKW Partner and Chairman of the Board for Fresh Direct Produce. “This is an important step forward for Fresh Direct Produce and we are excited for both teams. The acquisition is also strategically aligned within the Health & Wellness sector, a key area of focus for HKW.”
For more information:
Jim Snyder
Tel: +1 317-705-8815
Email: jcs@hkwinc.com