Food & Beverage Acquisitions in Nebraska

Woodland Gourmet has acquired International Spices, a developer of custom seasoning blends for snacks, proteins and prepared foods, to expand its custom seasoning and flavor development capabilities across foodservice, retail and industrial channels. The deal strengthens Woodland's product portfolio and manufacturing/commercialization resources; terms were not disclosed.

Stellex Capital Management, a New York-based private equity firm, has acquired The James Skinner Baking Company (J. Skinner), a leading in-store bakery (ISB) and co-packing baked-goods provider headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. Stellex said the partnership will fund investments in production capacity expansion, increased automation and new product development to support J. Skinner's growth.

Omaha Steaks announced that Omaha-based private equity firm McCarthy Capital has made an investment in the business and that Nate Rempe has been promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer. The Simon family remains involved as owners and chairman, and McCarthy Capital said the partnership will support accelerated growth and capacity investments while preserving management control.

FreshEdge, a Wind Point Partners–backed super-regional fresh food distributor, acquired Greenberg Fruit Company, a specialty produce distributor headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. The deal expands FreshEdge's Midwest footprint westward, strengthening its supply chain and fresh-cut processing capabilities to better serve foodservice and retail customers in Nebraska and western Iowa.

Aurora Capital Partners has acquired Universal Pure Holdings, LLC, the largest independent provider of high-pressure processing (HPP) and cold-chain food safety services in North America, from Tilia Holdings. Universal Pure, headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska, operates ~20 HPP machines across eight U.S. facilities (1.1 million sq. ft.) and ~800 employees; terms were not disclosed.

Mid America Pet Food has acquired Nature's Logic, adding the premium natural pet food and treats brand to its portfolio alongside VICTOR and Eagle Mountain. The two companies will continue to operate separately as Mid America — a TA Associates-backed manufacturer — expands its natural and sustainable product offerings.