Bettera Brands, a Portfolio Company of Highlander Partners, Divests Confection Brands to Jelly Belly
January 2, 2020 – Dallas, Texas – Bettera Brands, LLC, a portfolio company of Highlander Partners, L.P., announced today the sale of the Gimbal’s jelly beans brand, Scottie Dogs licorice and other associated candy brands, to the Jelly Belly Candy Company.
The transaction continues to support Bettera’s focus on the fast growing vitamin gummy and lozenge category. This sale allows Bettera to reposition capacity in its existing San Francisco manufacturing facility for production of gummy vitamins.
Jeff Partridge, Chairman of Bettera Brands and Managing Director of Highlander, commented, “The sale of these legacy Gimbal’s brands is in line with Bettera’s overall strategy of growing its core offering of gummy vitamins and adjacent product segments. Bettera Brands has become a leading player in the highest growth sector of the vitamin category and we are laser focused on continuing to capitalize on the explosive growth opportunities in this area of the market.”
Jeff L. Hull, President and CEO of Highlander, stated, “Gimbal’s jelly beans and Scottie Dogs licorice are great brands and have an excellent presence in major retail channels. Our forward focus is on gummy vitamins, lozenges and chewable supplement solutions, and we believe that Jelly Belly is a much better fit for maintaining the legacy of these brands. We will continue to aggressively pursue additional acquisitions that utilize confection products as a delivery system and associated wellness opportunities.”
About Highlander Partners
Highlander Partners, L.P. is a Dallas-based private investment firm with over $2.0 billion of assets under management. The firm focuses on making investments in businesses in targeted industries in which the principals of the firm have significant operating and investing experience, including basic manufacturing, food, chemicals, building materials, consumer products, and others. Highlander Partners uses a “buy and build” investment approach, creating value by helping companies grow organically and through acquisitions. For more information, visit www.highlander-partners.com.
About Bettera Brands
Bettera Brands is a leading manufacturer of gummy vitamin products and lozenges primarily focusing on using confections as delivery systems for vitamins, minerals, supplements, essential oils and other ingredients. The Company has fully integrated manufacturing capabilities and state-of-the-art production facilities located in Indiana, New Jersey and California that are SQF Level 3 and CFR 111 certified. In addition, the Company manufactures and sells a broad variety of premium organic, sugar-free and traditional confection products under the GoOrganic and GoLightly brands.