GE Capital, Corporate Finance was the administrative agent on a $105 million cash flow credit facility to Columbus Manufacturing, a producer of premium-branded specialty Italian cured meats. The financing is being used to support the acquisition of Columbus Manufacturing by Arbor Investments.
“GE Capital continues to make significant commitments to food and beverage companies,” said Ryan McKenzie, a partner at Arbor Investments. “Their industry expertise and experience certainly facilitates the financing process.” Arbor invests in the food, beverage and related industries. The firm has acquired or invested in over 30 food and beverage companies in North America and currently has $700 million of assets under management across three funds. Arbor was founded in 1999 and is based in Chicago (www.arborpic.com).
Columbus Manufacturing is a branded manufacturer of retail ready, super premium, artisanal salumi and related deli meat products. Salumi are Italian cured meat products and predominantly made from pork (Editor’s note: “salami” is the plural of “salame” which is a type of “salumi”). Products are sold through supermarkets, club stores and specialty grocery stores across North America. Columbus operates three manufacturing facilities in the San Francisco area occupying more than 270,000 square feet and has the capability to manufacture a wide variety of products such as finocchiona, genoa and calabrese salame. The company was established by the Domenici and Parducci families in 1917 and is headquartered in Hayward, CA (www.columbussalame.com).
“Whether for organic growth or acquisitions, our dedicated food and beverage specialists understand how to structure financing solutions to support our customers’ strategic goals,” said Chris Nay, senior managing director, GE Capital, Corporate Finance. “We strive to provide smarter, business-building capital to middle market food and beverage clients.”
GE Capital, Corporate Finance provides asset-based, cash flow and structured loans and leases to mid-size and large U.S. businesses. Sectors of interest include: aerospace and defense; automotive and transportation; chemicals and plastics; construction and building products, corporate aircraft; energy; food and beverage; manufacturing; marine; metals and mining; paper, packaging and forest products; retail; and technology and electronics (www.gecapital.com).
© 2012 PEPD • Private Equity’s Leading News Magazine • 11-1-12
