May 15, 2013

Wind Point to Merge Two Portfolio Companies: Hearthside Food Solutions and Ryt-way Industries

Wind Point Partners today announced plans to merge two of its portfolio companies – Hearthside Food Solutions and Ryt-way Industries. The merger, which will take effect in late May, will create the leading contract food manufacturer in North America, with over $1 billion in sales and 19 manufacturing facilities across seven states.

Wind Point acquired Hearthside in April 2009 and Ryt-way in August 2008. Both companies provide contract manufacturing services to leading food and consumer packaged goods companies in North America. During Wind Point’s ownership, Hearthside and Ryt-way each completed three acquisitions that further diversified each company’s customer base and product portfolio.

“By combining two industry leaders, we are able to create significant growth opportunities for the business in addition to value for our investors. Given the similarities between the businesses, we expect to start realizing benefits immediately.”

- Mark Burgett, Managing Director

Rich Scalise, CEO of Hearthside Food Solutions, will assume the role of CEO for the combined business. Rich is a 35-year veteran of the food industry who most recently served as President of Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products, a division of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:RAH). Rich previously spent 18 years with ConAgra Foods (NYSE:CAG) in a number of roles including his last position as President and COO of ConAgra’s $3 billion Refrigerated Foods Division.

“Hearthside and Ryt-way have a complementary customer base and supply chain capabilities. The combined company will be not only significantly larger but also able to deliver a wider array of services,” said Rich. 

David Finch, CEO of Ryt-way, added, “This is a great opportunity for our customers. By offering a broader suite of capabilities, Hearthside and Ryt-way will become a one-stop shop for contract manufacturing.” 

“Rich and David have done an excellent job driving strong revenue growth, commercializing new products and completing accretive acquisitions at Hearthside and Ryt-way,” said Mark Burgett, a managing director at Wind Point. “By combining two industry leaders, we are able to create significant growth opportunities for the business in addition to value for our investors. Given the similarities between the businesses, we expect to start realizing benefits immediately.”