M&As this week: Mama Fu’s, Comvita, Grupo Apex

Asian food restaurant operator Mama Fu’s has acquired pizza restaurant operator Austins Pizza.

Both entities involved in the transaction are homegrown restaurant brand operators and are based in the US.

The acquisition will enable the two companies to combine delivery services and share technological resources.

Comvita is looking for potential buyers to divest all of its shares.

Based in New Zealand, Comvita Limited manufactures and markets natural health and skincare products.

Spanish manufacturer of snacks Grupo Apex has acquired Papes Safor, a manufacturer of potato crisps based in Spain.

The total annual revenues generated by Papes Safor last year was €5m ($6.2m).

Switzerland-based Partners Group Holding and US-based Charlesbank Capital Partners intend to jointly acquire Hearthside Food Solutions for $2.4bn, including the assumption of its debt.

Based in the US, the target company is a producer and marketer of consumer baked foods and snacks.

Partners Group Holding and Charlesbank Capital Partners are both private equity firms.

The acquirer companies will also pay the equivalent of 11 times of Hearthside’s 12-month earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation as additional consideration, upon completion of the acquisition.

The Middleby Corporation has acquired JoeTap, a subsidiary of A.C. Beverage.

JoeTap is a US-based innovator of on-demand nitro and cold brew coffee dispensing equipment, while A.C. Beverage distributes draft beer equipment and supplies.

The Middleby Corporation develops, manufactures, markets and services equipment used in the commercial foodservice, food processing and residential kitchen equipment industries.

The acquisition will result in the expansion of Middleby’s portfolio of beverage solutions.

All companies involved are US-based firms.

Food management company Continental Dining & Refreshment Services has acquired Metro Vending Service, a vending, micro market and office coffee services provider.

Metro Vending staff will merge with the Continental team, under the terms of the acquisition.

Continental Dining will be able to diversify its customer base, following the transaction.

Both companies are based in the US.

Santa Monica Seafood Company has acquired Seattle Fish Company of New Mexico, a seafood distributor based in the US.

Also based in the US, Santa Monica Seafood Company processes and distributes fresh and frozen seafood.

Under the terms of the acquisition, the acquired company will operate as a standalone division of Santa Monica Seafood.

The acquisition will further consolidate Santa Monica Seafood’s position as a pre-eminent seafood distributor in the south-western US.

The Detroit Food Academy has completed the acquisition of Slow Jams, a jam producer based in the US.

The Detroit Food Academy is a non-profit organisation that teaches about food entrepreneurship.