Insignia Capital Group has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Truco Enterprises ("Truco" or the "Company"), a leading maker of tortilla chips, salsa and queso sold under the On The Border ("OTB") brand, to Utz Brands (NYSE: UTZ), for a total purchase price of $480 million. The deal is expected to close in December 2020 and is subject to customary closing conditions including the receipt of regulatory approvals.
Insignia Capital Group invested in Truco in 2014 to help the Company expand its distribution footprint and launch new product innovation. Together, Insignia and Truco made significant investments in sales and R&D that tripled adjusted EBITDA over the past six years. "It has been a true pleasure partnering with the Truco team to generate this exceptional outcome for all of the Company's stakeholders," said David Lowe, CEO of Insignia Capital Group. "We believe Utz will be an exceptional steward of the brand as Truco executes on its next phase of growth."
"The Truco team is thrilled to be joining the Utz family of brands, and we are thankful to our partners at Insignia Capital for all of their support," said Truco CEO Shane Chambers. "On The Border is now one of the fastest growing Tortilla chip brands and the fastest growing dip brand in the category. Utz will be able to leverage its world class Direct Store Delivery network to help expand our brand into new markets. As a result, more consumers across the U.S will have access to our delicious, high quality tortilla chips and dips. I'm looking forward to working with Dylan and the rest of the Utz senior management team to continue our excellent growth trajectory."
Harris Williams & Co. is acting as exclusive financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is acting as legal counsel to Truco Enterprises and Insignia Capital Group. Goldman Sachs is acting as lead financial advisor to Utz Brands, Bank of America is acting as financial advisor, and Cozen O'Connor is serving as legal counsel to Utz Brands, Inc.