AUA Private Equity Partners Acquires Western Smokehouse Partners

AUA Private Equity Partners Acquires Western Smokehouse Partners

May 17, 2023

Food & Beverage

AUA Private Equity Partners has acquired Western Smokehouse Partners from Charis Consumer Collaborative, marking Charis’ realization of its investment. During Charis’ ownership Western expanded through facility investments and add-on deals (Thrushwood Farms, Prairie Sky Snacks), growing headcount from about 60 to over 400 and operating multiple manufacturing sites out of Galesburg, Illinois.

Monogram Capital Partners Reacquires Western Smokehouse Partners

July 9, 2025

Food & Beverage

Monogram Capital Partners has reacquired Western Smokehouse Partners from AUA Private Equity, taking majority ownership of the leading contract manufacturer of better-for-you meat sticks. Monogram — which first invested in Western in 2018 and retained a minority stake after the 2023 sale to AUA — plans to expand Western's capacity to seven facilities by the end of 2025; terms were not disclosed.

Western Smokehouse Partners (AUA Private Equity) Acquires Golden Valley Natural (Hero Snacks)

May 22, 2024

Food & Beverage

Western Smokehouse Partners, a portfolio company of AUA Private Equity, acquired substantially all of the assets of Golden Valley Natural, LLC (dba Hero Snacks) to expand its better-for-you meat snack platform. The deal brings Golden Valley’s organic and all-natural jerky capabilities and Shelley, Idaho manufacturing capacity into the Western Smokehouse platform as an add-on to support growth and broaden product offerings.

Western Smokehouse Partners Acquires Junior's Smokehouse

February 5, 2026

Food & Beverage

Western Smokehouse Partners, backed by Monogram Capital Partners, has acquired Junior's Smokehouse, a family-owned jerky and meat snack manufacturer based in El Campo, Texas. The deal expands Western's national manufacturing footprint, adds capacity and private-label production capabilities, and follows Western’s recent facility expansions and Monogram’s continued investment in supply-chain manufacturing platforms.

AUA Private Equity Acquires Westminster Pet Products

September 8, 2020

Consumer Products

AUA Private Equity Partners has acquired Westminster Pet Products, a family-owned developer and marketer of pet treats, chews, supplies and shoe care products operating from a 240,000 sq. ft. BRC-AA certified facility in Cumberland, Rhode Island. AUA said Westminster will serve as its first platform investment in the pet industry and the firm plans to grow the business through product development, increased channel penetration, and future tuck-in acquisitions.

AUA Private Equity Partners Acquires Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing (Weaver Holdings, LLC)

January 4, 2024

Food & Beverage

AUA Private Equity Partners has acquired Weaver Holdings, LLC (Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing), a fourth-generation, family-owned manufacturer of popcorn and snacking products headquartered in Van Buren, Indiana. AUA plans to professionalize operations, invest in capability expansion and product innovation while retaining the company’s entrepreneurial culture; financial terms were not disclosed.