Peak Rock Capital affiliate acquires Berner Food & Beverage

An affiliate of Peak Rock Capital (Peak Rock), an Austin, Texas-based private equity firm, said it acquired Berner Food & Beverage LLC, a Dakota, Ill.-based manufacturer of shelf-stable dairy-based food products and beverages.

Founded in 1943, Berner produces private label cheese dips, salsa con queso, alfredo sauce, aerosol cheese products and coffee- and latte-based beverages. The company serves a diverse customer base of consumer packaged goods companies and retailers. Operating from its state-of-the-art SQF2000 Level 3 manufacturing facility, Berner offers customers a comprehensive range of food and beverage processing and packaging solutions, Peak Rock said.

"Our acquisition of Berner highlights Peak Rock's continued desire to invest in industry-leading food businesses where we can leverage the extensive sector experience of our principals and an experienced management team to drive growth and operational improvements," said Anthony DiSimone, CEO of Peak Rock. "We continue to look for other attractive platform opportunities and add-on acquisitions that can drive meaningful value to our portfolio."

Steve Kneubuehl, CEO of Berner, noted that Berner has built an industry-leading reputation for product quality and innovation during the past 75 years.

"Under Peak Rock's ownership, we will have the added resources necessary to further grow the business and facilitate product expansion," he said.