Highlander Partners acquires confectionery products manufacturer QCC

US-based private investment firm Highlander Partners has acquired all the assets of gummy confection manufacturer Queen City Candy (QCC).

The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed by the two companies.

The acquisition was carried out through Highlander Partners’ newly formed entity.

QCC was originally founded in 1983 and primarily manufactures gummies, jellies and fruit snacks.

The SQF Level II-certified company is also engaged in the production of pectin and gelatin-based products.

QCC expanded its operations in 2015 with a new production facility equipped with high-speed mogul and robust drying capabilities.

Highlander president and managing partner Jeff L Hull said: “We are excited about our acquisition of QCC.

“We believe the opportunity in the gummy confection and vitamin space will continue to grow at a significant rate.

“QCC offers outstanding manufacturing capabilities, with its cutting-edge manufacturing equipment and unique production capabilities.

“We believe that with Highlander’s resources and in collaboration with Bettera Brands another Highlander portfolio company, QCC, will be able to expand its product offerings and enter new markets, further accelerating the company’s growth.

“QCC’s capabilities extend beyond regular confection products, and we believe that we can capitalise on the industry trends and the uniqueness of the company’s assets, while pursuing gummy vitamin and other confection and wellness strategies over the next few years.”

Highlander has been investing in the confection industry and recently acquired the trademark portfolio of ten confection brands from Huhtamäki Oyj.

In the past two years, the company has acquired gourmet jelly beans and gummy vitamins producer Gimbal’s, as well as Hillside Candy, which manufactures organic, sugar-free and nutraceutical confections.

Highlander partner Alex Guiva said: “We have been very active, this is Highlander’s fourth investment in the confection space in the last two years and this is our third food deal this year.”