MIAMI, FL – (October 11, 2012) Trivest Partners (“Trivest”) today announced the successful completion of its investment in Wise Company, Inc. (“Wise” or the “Company”), a fast growing supplier of freeze dried and dehydrated food products for the emergency preparedness and outdoor markets. Brian NeVille, Wise CEO and shareholder, along with Wise’s current management team, will continue to lead the Company’s daily operations. Wise represents the 11th platform company investment in Trivest Fund IV, a $325 million fund.
Wise is a leading supplier of high quality, innovative dehydrated and freeze dried food products, including entrées, breakfast items, fruits & vegetables, soups, meats and sauces. Through its focus on value-added customer service and products, the Company has become a key partner to its rapidly growing customer base. Wise provides high quality, affordable food items in convenient packages to better meet consumer needs. Wise markets its products through a robust internal sales force that sells to channel partners, including retailers and distributors, and direct-to-consumer through its in-house sales force.
Wise’s CEO Brian NeVille stated, “Trivest has been a perfect match for our organization. We are grateful for their straightforward and transparent approach to doing business. Trivest’s focus on partnering with founder-owned organizations and their relevant experience with our current distribution channels created an immediate sense of comfort within our organization. We believe that our partnership with Trivest will best position Wise to execute on its mission to be a best-in-class partner to our customers.”
Troy Templeton, Trivest’s Managing Partner, stated, “We are pleased that the Wise management team and shareholders chose Trivest as the best partner to help the Company in its next phase of growth. Wise is a perfect fit with our strategy to partner with growing founder-owned businesses. Brian and his team have built a great organization, and we look forward to assisting them in continuing to expand their business.”
Trivest Partners is a private investment firm that focuses on partnering with founder/family owned businesses in the United States and Canada. Since its founding in 1981, Trivest has completed more than 185 transactions, totaling $4.8 billion in value. For additional information, please visit www.trivest.com.
