February 23 2016, David R Brown
Fuerst Day Lawson snapped up by US private equity company, Highlander Partners LP
UK-based ingredients distributor and supplier, Fuerst Day Lawson (FDL) has been acquired by US private equity company Highlander Partners. The company, which has offices in England, the US, Indian and China, is the UK's largest independent distributor of of food, beverage and specialty chemical ingredients.
We intend to supplement organic growth with strategic acquisitions that build on and expand FDL's existing business and product offerings
Mike Nicolais
Highlander President & co-Chairman FDL
The company was originally founded in 1884 as a trader of niche commodities by the Fuerst Brothers before being acquired by the Day Lawson family in the 1950's, who renamed it Fuerst Day Lawson Ltd (FDL). FDL supplies amino acids, aroma chemicals, beverage syrups, along with flavorings, juices and juice blends, preservatives, seeds and grains. Additionally, FDL trades commodities, including castor oil, menthol and mint oils.
FDL will continue to operate under its existing management team and will carry on being led by Mac Mardi, chief executive. As part of the deal, Highlander president Mike Nicolais will join FDL's board and serve as co-chairman. Mardi said: “We are excited to be working with Highlander Partners, which has a strong track record of building long-term value for its portfolio companies, with deep, relevant experience in the food ingredient space. With Highlander's financial, strategic and operational support, we are excited to expand upon our leading market position with a partner who shares in our strategic vision.”
Nicolais added: “FDL's focus on innovation, service and customized solutions have formed a loyal and growing customer base. We are excited to partner with such an experienced and proven management team to continue growing and developing innovative solutions for the Company's customers. In addition, similar to our other portfolio companies, we intend to supplement organic growth with strategic acquisitions that build on and expand FDL's existing business and product offerings.”
Highlander Partners, L.P. is a Dallas-based private investment firm with over $1 billion of assets under management. The firm focuses on making investments in businesses in targeted industries in which the principals of the firm have significant operating and investing experience, including basic manufacturing, food and beverage, specialty chemicals, building materials, consumer products, and others.
About Fuerst Day Lawson
Fuerst Day Lawson Holdings Limited manufactures and distributes specialist ingredients to the food, beverage, fragrance, and chemical industries. FDL's head Office is in London and the company also has 3 manufacturing/blending facilities in the UK. The company also has an office in the USA (New Jersey) as well as procurement and sourcing offices in India and China. Overseas FDL has plants in the USA (Alabama), India (New Dehli) and China (Shanghai). The Group has over 280 employees worldwide.
Source(s): FDL Press Release
Further Information
Visit: http://www.fdlworld.com