WEST DES MOINES, IA — Midwest Growth Partners, a private equity firm specializing in succession planning and growth capital investments in food and agriculture, announced the merger of Sparks, NV-based French Gourmet and Garner, IA-based ShellsbyDesign.
French Gourmet manufactures artisanal croissants, Danish pastries, dough shells and puff pastries, serving an assortment of foodservice businesses, including hotels, cafes, and independent and in-store bakeries.
“With the addition of complementary, premium product offerings and an expanded geographical reach, French Gourmet is positioned to deliver even greater value to existing customers of both companies,” said Don D. Smith, CEO of French Gourmet. “We are excited to work with this experienced and dedicated Iowa team who shares our commitment to premium quality products and high-level customer service.”
ShellsbyDesign is a commercial bakery with a 30,000-square-foot production facility that creates sweet and savory frozen tart shells and ready-to-eat frozen desserts. The merger strengthens both companies’ product lines and manufacturing capabilities.
“French Gourmet’s extensive product offerings and market reach will enable us to execute on the vision I’ve had for our company since co-founding the business 15 years ago,” said David Lichtenstein, co-founder of ShellsbyDesign. “We look forward to joining forces with the French Gourmet team to support our combined customers’ success with enhanced premium product offerings.”
As part of the merger, Lichtenstein will continue to serve as director of operations at the Iowa facility.
