South-Am sold a majority interest to Van Drunen Farms

  • Background: South-Am Freeze Dry SpA (“South-Am”), founded in 2004 and based in Chile, is a full-service manufacturer of premium freeze-dried fruits, vegetables, and powders, driven by top standards of food safety and traceability. South-Am fuses creativity and innovation with world-class quality standards.
  • Cassel Salpeter:
    • Served as financial advisor to the Company
    • Distressed operations with excess plant capacity and negative cash flow
    • Spin-out of a non-core business unit
  • Challenges:
    • Niche industry with a limited number of potential buyers
    • Expedited timeline to close
    • Spin-out of a non-core business unit
  • Outcome: On August 14, 2019, Van Drunen Farms (“VDF”) acquired a majority interest in South-Am. VDF is a world leader in agriculture, food science, and dehydrating fruits, vegetables, and grains.
  • The partnership formed between South-Am and VDF provided South-Am with a significant minority stake, and quickly filled excess plant capacity, providing a path to profitability.