Healthy Food Holdings to Acquire Van's Waffles

19/12/06 Healthy Food Holdings, a portfolio company of private equity firm Catterton Partners, announced a definitive agreement to acquire Van's International Foods, Inc., the maker and marketer of Van's Waffles. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Van's Waffles is the leading brand of all-natural and organic frozen waffles. Van's manufactures and markets waffles within several categories, including Wheat-Free/Gluten-Free, Organic, Original Gourmet, Hearty Oats, Belgian, and Mini Waffles, each of which is available in a variety of flavors. In addition to being preservative, trans-fat and cholesterol-free, many of Van's Waffles products are also rich in calcium, flax, fiber and whole grains. Through its soy product division, Veat Gourmet, Van's also markets soy protein meat-alternative products, including Chick'n Free Nuggets, Gourmet Bites, Vegetarian Breast and Vegetarian Fillet.

"Van's commitment to producing high-quality products that are as healthy as they are delicious has enabled the company to be a leader in the all-natural and organic breakfast foods category," said Chuck Marcy, Chief Executive Officer of Healthy Food Holdings. "We are extremely excited to add the Van's brand to our portfolio, which will give us a strong foothold in the natural and organic foods business. With the operational and financial strength provided by Healthy Food Holdings and Catterton, I am confident we can further enhance Van's market leadership."

Andrew C. Taub, a Partner at Catterton Partners, said, "As a market leader in all trade classes including mass merchants, supermarkets, and natural food stores, Van's Waffles has high brand recognition and strong customer loyalty. Catterton is delighted to participate in the next stage of Van's development and growth."