Branding Iron, a US-based provider of branded and private label meat products, has been acquired by Kingswood Capital Management.  

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. 

Branding Iron, headquartered in Sauget, Illinois, produces a variety of protein products, focusing on frozen and refrigerated ground meats such as beef patties.

The 60 year-old business operates facilities in Minnesota’s Rochester and Sauk Rapids.

Following the acquisition, Andy Touchette has ben promoted from chief operating officer to CEO.  

John Niemann will join the company’s board Of directors as executive chairman. 

Kingswood managing director Andrew Kovach said: “We firmly believe in the company’s quality, customer relationships and strong manufacturing capabilities. Given Kingswood’s experience in the food space, we are excited to partner with the current management team as well as John Niemann to take the business to the next level.” 

Touchette added: “It was important to us to identify a long-term partner which will help us grow and support customers across every channel and we believe we found that in Kingswood.  

“We are proud of what we have built at Branding Iron and are highly confident that customers will continue to enjoy the quality and service they have grown accustomed to, while we seek out ways to improve upon our excellent standards of delivery.” 

The company evolved in 2007 through the merger of Holten Meats with Rochester Meat Company, which was founded in 1971.  

The acquisition represents Kingswood's latest investment in the food and beverage sector, building on its recent acquisition of Corbion's emulsifiers business.