HILLSIDE, N.J. -- A private investment firm has acquired Hillside Candy, makers of organic, sugar-free and traditional confection products. Founded in 1945, Hillside brands include GoOrganic, GoLightly, Pick Your Color and Hillside Sweets. Products are sold direct and through distributors to grocery and drug-store chains, convenience stores, mass merchandisers, club stores and others.
The acquirer, Highlander Partners LP, Dallas, manages more than $1.2 billion of assets. 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.
Ted Cohen, a candy industry veteran, will continue serving as president of Hillside. "I am excited to partner with the Highlander team to continue the growth of the Hillside business," Cohen said. "Highlander and its principals have a long history of success in the confection and food industries, and I am looking forward to expanding our company with a partner that brings such deep and relevant experience together with financial resources to our business."
In announcing the deal Nov. 7, Alex Guiva, chairman of Hillside and partner of Highlander, said, "It is no secret that retailers dedicate more and more shelf space to organic and sugar-free products and these trends are here to stay."
Hillside Candy is based in Hillside, N.J.
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