American Securities to acquire Milk Specialties Global

US-based human and animal nutrition company Milk Specialties Global’s management team has partnered with an affiliate of American Securities to acquire the former from Kainos Capital.

The deal is expected to close later this year.

With a workforce of 700 employees, Milk Specialties will continue to operate from its headquarters in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

Milk Specialties CEO Dave Lenzmeier said: "Milk Specialties has a strong history of growth in an exciting market. Demand for protein has soared driven by global population growth and interest in healthy lifestyles."

Milk Specialties president Eddie Wells said: "Every individual at Milk Specialties plays an important role, from operators who focus on producing the highest quality products to the executive leadership team."

Established in 1949, Milk Specialties’ human nutrition business unit manufactures whey and milk protein ingredients, which are used in the sports nutrition and function food end-markets. Its animal nutrition business unit provides products to the dairy industry.

The company was purchased by Kainos Capital in 2011.

Morgan Stanley and Houlihan Lokey served as financial advisers, and Greenberg Traurig as legal adviser to Milk Specialties in this deal.