USA – Hilo Nutrition, a nutritional gummy manufacturer, has been acquired by US private equity firm Highlander Partners.
Headquartered in Ohio, Hilo offers a range of nutritional products in confection formats, with a particular focus on sports nutrition and performance.
Hilo was co-founded by Andrew Sauer and Eric Torgeson, who will remain in the same leadership positions with Hilo under Highlander’s ownership, with the goal of providing consumers with novel alternatives to traditional powder supplements.
Through extensive research and development, Hilo has developed unique branded products in fast growing nutritional areas, with a particular focus on sports nutrition and performance by using confection products as a delivery system.
“We are thrilled to join the Highlander family of businesses. Their strong operating experience in retail, digital, and manufacturing is unparalleled and will undoubtedly accelerate Hilo to the next level. Our ability to invest in all areas of growth will now be super-charged by our combination of talents,” Andrew Sauer, President of Hilo, said.
“This acquisition underscores Highlander’s desire to invest in high quality branded companies. In particular, Highlander has a significant track record in the health and wellness industry, which we are confident can be applied to Hilo.
Jeff L. Hull – President and CEO, Highlander Partners
The Company collaborates with athletes, performance experts and nutritionists to deliver products that are convenient, effective and easy to take.
As a pioneer in the performance gummy category, Hilo is well positioned to benefit from its expanding portfolio of innovative products as well as the rapid growth in the performance nutrition category that is expected to continue in the foreseeable future.
“We are very excited to partner with Eric and Andy to drive the Hilo brand. We believe the Company has significant growth opportunities, which will be amplified by increased consumer awareness, product innovation, and expanded distribution,” Jeff L. Hull, President and CEO of Highlander Partners commented.
“This acquisition underscores Highlander’s desire to invest in high quality branded companies. In particular, Highlander has a significant track record in the health and wellness industry, which we are confident can be applied to Hilo. We will continue to pursue emerging consumer facing businesses with strong growth potential, outstanding products and excellent brand equity.”
Highlander’s portfolio includes a variety of food, beverage, health and wellness companies across the world. Highlander plans to accelerate the growth of Hilo by targeting a larger but more focused audience, continued innovation of its product offerings, strengthening its direct-to consumer (DTC) business, and aggressively expanding distribution.
The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
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