Centre Partners Announces Purchase of Bellisio Foods, Inc.

Leading Private Equity Firm Acquires One of North America's Largest Manufacturers of Frozen Food

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Dec 16, 2011, 12:42 ET

NEW YORK, Dec. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Centre Partners, a leading middle market private equity firm with offices in New York and Los Angeles, announced today that it has acquired Bellisio Foods, Inc. ("Bellisio"), together with the management team of Bellisio. Bellisio is a leading manufacturer of branded and private label frozen foods, based in Minneapolis.

Bellisio is one of North America's largest manufacturers and distributors of frozen single-serve entrees and meals, sold primarily under the Michelina's® brand. The company also produces private label frozen products for a number of the nation's largest retailers, and provides co-packing services to leading consumer packaged goods customers.

Bellisio Chief Executive Officer Joel Conner said, "We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Centre Partners. Their financial support and expertise will enable us to accelerate our growth plans for the business while allowing us to maintain our focus on providing the highest quality product while being the low-cost operator. This transaction is a clear endorsement of the strength of our dedicated management team and the strength of our market position."

Bruce Pollack, Managing Partner of Centre Partners added, "We are equally excited to partner with Joel Conner and the Company's first-class management team. Bellisio's well-established brands and highly efficient production and distribution capabilities positions it extremely well for a number of compelling growth initiatives. We look forward to supporting Joel and his team as they expand Bellisio's market-leading positions in both the U.S. and Canada."

About Centre Partners
Centre Partners, founded in 1986, is a leading private equity firm with a middle market focus that seeks to make acquisitions and equity investments alongside management teams who have or desire to make a meaningful economic stake in the future success of their businesses. Centre Partners has invested over $3 billion in more than 90 transactions, partnering with management teams across a broad spectrum of industries. Centre Partners provides those teams with access to its unique resources, which include an extended network of experienced and proven operating executives. The firm is currently investing through its fifth fund. Additional information is available at www.centrepartners.com.

About Bellisio Foods, Inc.
Founded in 1990, Bellisio Foods is based on the premise that success can be achieved if good people use only the freshest ingredients to produce the finest quality products with the best value possible. This dedication to quality has helped the Michelina's brand to become one of the world's leading brands in frozen entrees and snacks. Today, Bellisio Foods produces more than 200 different frozen entrees and snacks, sold under the Michelina's® and Boston Market® brands, and also sold as private label and co-packed products for leading retailers and consumer packaged goods companies. Their products can be found at virtually any grocery store in the U.S. and Canada, as well as other locations worldwide. Additional information is available at www.bellisiofoods.com and www.michelinas.com.

SOURCE Centre Partners