Shore Capital has invested in OC Flavors, a developer and manufacturer of natural and organic-compliant liquid and powdered flavors.
The company’s flavor profiles include various fruits, vanilla, chocolate, caramels, coffee, cola, floral, and herbal. OC’s products are used in various sectors and applications, including bakery, beverage, dairy, toppings, fillings, syrups, sauces, dressings, nutraceuticals, and condiments. OC was founded by Leah McCuen and Monica Ahuero in 2007 and is headquartered in Chino, California.
“We are thrilled to partner with Shore given their strategic approach and track record for building businesses like ours,” said Ms. McCuen.
“We are confident that Shore’s playbook and resources will help us take OC to the next level as we look to maintain our winning culture while providing our customers and industry partners with world-class quality, service, and innovation,” added Ms. Ahuero.
“We are honored to partner with the OC Flavors team on this next exciting chapter in the company’s impressive history,” said Richard Boos, a partner at Shore. “Leah and Monica have built tremendous reputations in the flavor industry and a world-class organization with values and priorities that align extremely well with Shore’s. We could not be more excited to start executing our growth plan with the OC Flavors team.”
Post-closing, OC and Shore will look to expand the company’s sales and marketing, research and development, and operational infrastructure.
“Shore has been studying the flavors industry for several years, and we are confident we have found the perfect entrepreneurs and team to partner with at OC Flavors,” said Jeff Smith, a principal at Shore. “We see tremendous opportunity for the company moving forward as we add resources and capabilities to further enhance our offerings for our customers. We also look forward to welcoming additional flavor and related specialty ingredient companies into the family as we complete strategic add-on acquisitions.
Shore Capital Partners invests in lower middle-market healthcare, food and beverage, business services, and real estate-related companies that have $5 million to $100 million of revenue.
In April 2019, Shore closed its third healthcare-focused fund, Shore Capital Healthcare Partners Fund III LP, with $293 million of capital, and its inaugural food and beverage fund, Shore Capital Food & Beverage Partners Fund I LP, with $148 million of capital. Chicago-based Shore currently has $2.4 billion of assets under management.
© 2022 Private Equity Professional | May 17, 2022
