Riverside Finds Its Sweet Spot with Latest Deal

The Riverside Company, a global private equity firm focused on the smaller end of the middle market, has invested in National Flavors, LLC (NF). NF is a Michigan-based company that creates and produces flavors for use in beverages, frozen desserts, baked goods, confections and processed fruits.

Established in 1941, NF offers a robust library of high-quality flavors and creative flavor development. The company’s longstanding relationships with its customers reflect its strong level of customer service and fast turnaround times.  NF offers a convenient customer portal and flavor sample ordering tool, Flavorush. Flavorush gives customers control over the sample selection and ordering process, provides on-demand pricing and documentation and ships samples in 24 hours.

“The market for flavor manufacturing businesses is highly attractive, and it is a great time for founders to sell,” said Riverside Managing Partner Loren Schlachet. “During our investment period, we will look to strengthen NF’s research, development and application capabilities through organic and inorganic growth initiatives to continue delivering innovative custom flavors and leading customer service.  We are actively pursuing add-ons of other leading flavor houses to complement NF.”

“We look forward to adding NF to Riverside’s family of successful investments in the flavor and specialty ingredients space such as: Parker Products, E&A Scheer and MEC3 along with strong consumer brands including Tate’s Bake Shop,” said Riverside Partner Alan Peyrat.

Working with Schlachet and Peyrat on the investment for Riverside were Senior Associate Liz Burke, Associate David Myers, Analyst Erin Reger, Operating Partner Brad Mundt, Finance Director Doug Guess and Managing Director, Sales Excellence Steve Hollingsworth. Director of Research Matthew Delly sourced the investment for Riverside.