TORONTO, Ontario (August 15, 2016) – Penfund, an independent provider of junior capital to middle market companies in the United States and Canada, announced today the completion of a second lien loan facility for Give and Go Prepared Foods (“Give & Go”) in support of an acquisition by Thomas H. Lee Partners (“THL”). Penfund acted as lead investor and agent in the transaction.
John Bradlow, a partner at Penfund, commented, “We are delighted to support THL and are excited about partnering with Give & Go. We believe the acquisition will allow Give & Go to continue its strong growth and maintain its market leadership position.”
Founded in 1989, Give & Go is a market leader in the North American bakery industry delivering value-added, branded and private label programs across a range of consumer segments including Mini-Treats, Cupcakes, and Better For You Snacking. Give & Go’s well-known offerings include its bestselling two-bite® and Kimberley’s Bakeshoppe® brands, and well-positioned Mason St. Bakehouse™, and The Worthy Crumb Pastry Co.™ brands. Give & Go maintains best-in-class, proprietary in-house manufacturing and product innovation capabilities through its four production facilities located in Toronto, Ontario.
Concurrent with the closing of the acquisition by THL, Give & Go completed the acquisition of Create-a-Treat Ltd., NAFTA Foods and Packaging Inc., and related entities (together, “NAFTA CAT”). NAFTA CAT will form a new division inside Give and Go, simply called “Create-a-Treat.”
Based in Toronto, NAFTA CAT is a market-leading manufacturer of edible craft products for celebrations and holidays throughout the year. NAFTA CAT is the largest North American manufacturer of gingerbread house kits, and makes and sells cookie kits and a variety of cookies. NAFTA CAT sells under the Create-a-Treat and Orbit brands, as well as under private label brands. NAFTA CAT operates three custom-built manufacturing facilities in Toronto.
About Thomas H. Lee Partners
Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. (“THL”) is one of the world’s oldest and most experienced private equity firms. The firm invests in growth-oriented businesses, headquartered principally in North America, across three broad sectors: consumer & healthcare, media & information services, and business & financial services. Since its founding in 1974, THL has raised over $20 billion of equity capital and invested in more than 130 businesses with an aggregate purchase price of more than $150 billion. THL strives to build great companies of lasting value and generate superior investment returns.
Website: www.thl.com
Back to All NewsPenfund is a leading provider of capital to middle market companies throughout North America. The firm is actively investing both senior and junior capital through Penfund Prime and Penfund Capital Fund VII. Penfund manages funds sourced from pension funds, insurance companies, banks, family offices and high-net-worth individuals located in Canada, the United States, the Middle East, and Europe. Penfund has invested more than C$3.0 billion in over 225 companies since its establishment. Assets under management are approximately C$3.0 billion.
