India Brook Partners advises
Investor Group on recapitalization of Campania Foods
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. New York, NY, November 10, 2008.
India Brook Partners, LLC., a leading investment banking firm
specializing in the food and beverage industry, announced that its
client CF Acquisition Company had completed an acquisition and
recapitalization transaction with Campania Foods, an importer and
distributor of premium quality specialty food products from Italy and
the Mediterranean. CF Acquisition Company, an investor
group led by Anna M. Gannon, has acquired a controlling interest in
Campania. Massimo Delle Donne, Campania Foods President, has
retained an equity interest in the Company and will continue to manage
the Campania Foods business with Anna Gannon serving as Chairman of the
Company. Ms. Gannon is also the controlling shareholder and CEO of
Taormina Sales Company, a leading importer and distributor of premium
olive oil, balsamic vinegar and other specialty food products.
India Brook Partners, LLC. originated this transaction and advised CF
Acquisition Company. Senior financing was provided by Wells Fargo
Business Credit.
Headquartered in Palisades Park, New Jersey, Campania Foods is an
importer and distributor of premium quality gourmet and specialty foods
from Italy and other Mediterranean countries. The Company is the
principal or exclusive distributor of several premium brands including
Paone™ pasta, CoGeDi™ bottled waters and Strianese™
tomatoes. The Company has a broad and diverse customer base that
includes leading grocery stores, specialty and gourmet retailers and
foodservice clients in the Northeast.
Concerning the transaction, Ms. Gannon commented "We were seeking an
investment in a growing specialty food company with distribution of
branded Italian food products to add to our existing investments in the
industry. India Brook Partners is active as a specialized advisor
in our industry and we turned to India Brook as our advisor because of
India Brook's exceptional network of industry relationships, its access
to unique and unadvertised acquisition opportunities and its financial
expertise as a specialist in the food industry. "
Jeff Tarplin, Managing Director of India Brook Partners added, "We are
very pleased to have assisted the parties in implementing this
transaction for Campania Foods. With the continued leadership of
Mr. Delle Donne and Ms. Gannon and the added financial resources of CF
Acquisition Company, Campania is exceptionally well positioned to
continue its growth and expand distribution of its branded
products. We were able to complete this transaction despite very
challenging market conditions through the commitment of our client and
the Campania team as well as strong support from our client's financial
partner, Wells Fargo Business Credit, which provided senior
financing for this transaction."
About India Brook Partners, LLC.
(www.indiabrook.com)
Founded in 1999, India Brook Partners, LLC. is an investment banking
firm specializing in the food and beverage industry. The Firm
handles mergers and acquisitions and financing transactions for middle
market companies with revenues from $10MM to $150MM. India Brook is
recognized nationally as one of a small group of investment banking
firms with an active specialized business in the food industry.
In addition to its investment banking staff, the India Brook team
includes four Executive Partners, operating executives who have owned
and managed large companies in the industry. The Firm offers
clients market access, specialized industry knowledge, valuation
expertise and effective transaction management to achieve highly
competitive results for its clients. India Brook's clients
include leading middle market companies as sellers as well as private
equity firms, large foreign and domestic strategic buyers and
management groups as buyers and investors. The firm's website is at
www.indiabrook.com.
CONTACT: Jeffrey Tarplin, Managing Director, (646) 673-9951,
tarplin@indiabrook.com
