AUA Private Equity Partners has hired Robert Sigel, a food industry executive, as a new Operating Executive. Mr. Sigel will focus on consumer, food and beverage and family-owned business opportunities.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Bob on several opportunities. He brings a unique operating perspective and has deep industry relationships within our targeted investment areas. We are fortunate to have Bob join us as an Operating Executive to expand our capabilities in the food and beverage sectors,” said Andy Unanue, Managing Partner of AUA Equity.
Mr. Sigel started his career at Millbrook Distribution Services, a value added distributor of health, beauty care, general merchandise, and specialty food products. In 1986, Mr. Sigel played a key role in the sale of Millbrook to McKesson Corporation and he became President and Chief Executive Officer of McKesson’s Service Merchandising Division. In 1997, McKesson decided to focus strictly on health care related businesses, and Mr. Sigel, together with an investment partner, purchased Millbrook from McKesson.
Mr. Sigel’s vision was to grow the specialty food portion of Millbrook as well as to vertically integrate the company by acquiring food brands. He and his partners formed a branded food group and eventually bought Manischewitz®, Guiltless Gourmet®, and Rokeach®. In 2007, Mr. Sigel led the successful sale of Millbrook to United Natural Food (UNFI) where he held the titles of President and CEO of Millbrook, and was named an Executive Officer of UNFI and President of Specialty Distribution. He retired from UNFI in 2008 and formed R.A. Sigel and Company to acquire, invest in and consult to branded food businesses. Mr. Sigel graduated from Bowdoin College with a BA in Economics, and The Whitman School at Syracuse University with an MBA in Accounting and Finance.
AUA Private Equity Partners makes equity investments in companies in the consumer, media and business services sectors with a particular focus on Hispanic-oriented companies and family-owned businesses located in the United States. The firm invests from $10 million to $30 million of equity in companies that generate $3 million to $15 million in EBITDA. The firm is based in New York (www.auaequity.com).
“I have looked at a number of opportunities with the AUA Equity team and have been extremely impressed with their intimate knowledge of the food space, vast access to investment opportunities and unique approach and understanding of family-owned business issues and concerns,” said Mr. Sigel. “I am excited to join AUA Equity as an Operating Executive where I can leverage my background and relationships to expand their already impressive effort in the food space. Together, we have an unparalleled ability to partner with growing branded consumer companies seeking operating expertise, distribution relationships and strategic capital.”
© 2013 PEPD • Private Equity’s Leading News Magazine • 4-24-13