Chicago-based Arbor Investments has acquired Best Maid Cookie Co., a manufacturer and marketer of branded and private-label gourmet cookies and dessert bars. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.
Founded in 1943 by Swedish immigrant baker C. Arthur Erickson, River Falls, Wis.-based Best Maid provides custom-formulated, gourmet-quality baked cookies and unique pre-portioned cookie dough products made with the freshest ingredients.
In connection with the acquisition of Best Maid, Arbor said it partnered with management – led by the company’s CEO, Deb Dartsch, who is Arthur Erickson’s daughter, and president, Ron Thielen. Both executives will continue to manage Best Maid, Arbor Investments said in a statement. Best Maid will also continue to operate out of its existing 100,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.
“We are elated to be partnering with Arbor. Their extensive and unparalleled experience in the food industry, and in particular the baking segment, made them a perfect fit for Best Maid, our management team, employees and customers,” said Dartsch. “Over the past 70 years, we have experienced tremendous growth adhering to our core principles, and we look forward to Arbor continuing that legacy and leading us in our next phase of growth.”
Best Maid will join Arbor’s Le Petit Pain baking platform, which includes New French Bakery Inc., a Minneapolis-based commercial bakery that manufactures premium branded and private-label take-and-bake and fresh artisan breads. Arbor’s operating partner, Mike Schultz, a 20-year executive in the baking industry, oversees the Le Petit Pain platform.
“Best Maid enjoys a distinguished reputation in the sweet goods industry for product quality, innovation and customer service,” said Brody Lynn, vice president of Arbor Investments. “The company’s management and employees have built a remarkable business and culture, and the complementary product offerings at New French Bakery will enable both companies to provide greater service to their customers.”
Arbor Investments is a private equity firm that focuses exclusively on acquiring premier companies in the food, beverage and related industries. The firm said it has acquired or invested in more than 41 such companies in North America.
