Snyder’s-Lance completes acquisition of baked snacks producer Baptista’s Bakery

US-based snack food producer Snyder’s-Lance has completed the acquisition of Baptista’s Bakery, which produces baked snack foods and ‘better for you’ snacks.

As part of the deal, Snyder’s-Lance has acquired a 100% stake in Baptista’s Bakery, along with its manufacturing facility in Franklin, Wisconsin.

Baptista’s Bakery is a developer and manufacturer of baked snacks for snack companies and retailers across the US.

It also supplies Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps to Snyder’s-Lance.

This acquisition by Snyder’s-Lance is part of a plan to sharpen its focus on its branded products in growth categories such as ‘better for you’ and other emerging products which are driven by consumer preferences and insights.

At the time of signing the agreement, Snyder’s-Lance president and CEO Carl Lee Jr said that the Baptista’s team is strong and dedicated, with many new product ideas which will be an excellent pairing for the company’s brands.

"We are committed to retaining and growing the Franklin, Wisconsin facility, which is strategically well positioned within our network," he added.

Baptista’s Bakery CEO and founder Nan Gardetto said: "The combination of Baptista’s quality and product innovation teamed with the marketing, sales and distribution capabilities of Snyder’s-Lance means our best accomplishments are yet to come."

The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

Baptista’s Bakery was established after Gardetto’s Bakery was divested to General Mills in 1999.

While Gardetto’s operated two facilities at the time of the sale, one in Milwaukee and the other in Franklin, the Gardetto family retained the Franklin facility, which it built in 1997, and utilised it to establish Baptista’s Bakery.

William Blair & Company served as financial advisor and Foley & Lardner as legal counsel to Baptista’s in the transaction.

Snyder’s-Lance, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, manufactures and markets snack foods such as pretzels, sandwich crackers, pretzel crackers, potato chips and cookies in the US and internationally.