Private equity firm Trinity Hunt Partners (THP) has sold portfolio company CJ Foods, a manufacturer of premium dog and cat food, to JH Whitney Capital Partners.
THP's partnership with management began in 2009, when it invested in CJ Foods alongside the seller and CEO, as well as other CJ Foods management members.
In partnership with THP, CJ Foods executed a strategic growth plan that included a USD20 million plant expansion and numerous capital improvement projects, which resulted in a doubling of CJ Foods' capacity during THP's ownership. These growth initiatives improved production efficiencies and food safety.
"In Trinity Hunt, we found a true partner, one that shared our values, promoted the interests of our employees, and encouraged our uncompromising commitment to quality," says Tod Morgan, chief executive officer of CJ Foods. "We would not be where we are today without Trinity Hunt's strategic guidance and their investment in time and capital over the past four years. Trinity Hunt was critical to our success."
"CJ Foods has built its reputation on unwavering food quality and safety and has a long-tenured history with some of the fastest growing premium pet food brands in the country," says Will Bixby, a THP partner. "I believe that Tod Morgan and his management team are the best co-pack operators in the premium pet food industry, and I have full confidence in their ability to continue the company's strong growth well into the future."
