The Watkins Company has sold a majority stake to KDSA Investment Partners in partnership with Cannae Holdings
The Watkins Company has completed a majority sale to KDSA Investment Partners in partnership with Cannae Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNNE). The majority owner and chairman, Mark Jacobs, rolled a significant equity stake into the transaction.
With their combined operating experience and deep knowledge of the food sector, Cannae and KDSA will create significant organic and inorganic growth opportunities for Watkins. This collaboration will enable Watkins to continue innovating its best-in-class product portfolio while maintaining the brand’s authenticity and commitment to its customers.
Founded in 1868 and headquartered in Winona, Minnesota, Watkins is one of the most trusted and fastest-growing flavoring brands in the premium natural and organic category in the USA. Under the leadership of Chairman Mark Jacobs and CEO J.R. Rigley, Watkins has expanded its lines of extracts, spices, condiments and bitters across all major sales channels and has become a key supplier to some of the largest retailers in each category.
KDSA is an investment partnership focused on founder-led and family-owned businesses in the food and beverage industry. Co-founders David Knopf and Andrew Souza established KDSA to acquire and grow businesses using long-term capital. They leverage extensive operational and investment experience, strong industry relationships and a network of seasoned operating partners to drive sustainable growth across their portfolio.
Cannae acquires and actively manages interests in operating companies, focusing on maximizing long-term value through strategic ownership and involvement. The firm actively engages in the management and operations of its portfolio companies to enhance value creation for shareholders. As a long-term investor, Cannae secures control and governance rights with no preset timeline for divestment, allowing flexibility to support sustainable growth.
Oaklins Intrepid in Los Angeles acted as the sell-side advisor in this transaction.
Talk to the deal team
Eduard Bagdasarian
Oaklins Intrepid
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