AUA Private Equity Recapitalizes Epi Breads; Establishes Epic Baking Company

WEST PALM BEACH, FL. (September 28, 2021) – AUA Private Equity Partners, LLC (“AUA Private Equity” or the “Firm”), a consumer private equity firm focused on investing in Hispanic-oriented companies and/or family-owned businesses in the consumer products and services sector, is pleased to announce the recapitalization of “Epi Breads” and the formation of Epic Baking Company, LLC (“Epic Baking Company”, or the “Company”).

Founded in 1985 in Atlanta, GA, Epi Breads bakes and distributes a wide range of artisan-crafted bread products including hoagies, rolls and buns for leading foodservice chains and grocery retailers. AUA Private Equity will work closely with existing management led by CEO Cheryl Barre and Co-Founder Nic Mulliez to continue providing strong customer service and superior-quality bread to its longstanding customers.

Steven Flyer, Partner of AUA Private Equity, stated: “We are excited to partner with Epi Breads to help accelerate the Company’s future growth. Epi Breads has a long history of supplying leading customers in the foodservice and retail channels. We look forward to working with existing customers and utilizing our network of relationships to provide outstanding customer service, R&D capabilities, implement best-in-class productivity and offer the highest quality products.”

Nic Mulliez, Co-Founder of Epi Breads, will continue to serve on the Board of Directors of Epic Baking Company. Nic noted, “AUA Private Equity shares our vision for strengthening a customer-first mentality. AUA and the Epic Baking Company Board of Directors will provide Epi with the expertise and tools it needs to succeed. We look forward to partnering with the AUA team on Epi’s next phase of growth and development.”

Kyce Chihi, Managing Director of AUA Private Equity, added: “AUA will bring a number of resources to Epi Breads including capital and operational expertise to bolster Epi’s capabilities, starting with a new 135,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Atlanta, Georgia slated to begin production later this Fall. Through AUA and Epi’s new partnership, the Company will continue to provide strong customer service through superior product quality and consistency, enhanced product innovation, and a sound balance sheet.”

Epi Breads is AUA Private Equity’s first acquisition on behalf of its new baking platform, Epic Baking Company. The Company will seek to invest in artisan bakeries that manufacture, distribute and/or market baking products supplying foodservice or retail customers.

The transaction was led by Partner Steven Flyer, Managing Director Kyce Chihi, Vice President Ari David and Associate Jordana Cooper on behalf of AUA Private Equity. Senior Operating Advisors assisting on the transaction include Marc Essenfeld and Doris Zelinsky. Legal advice was provided by McDermott Will & Emery, Boston Consulting Group provided strategic and industry consulting, and Cohn Reznick provided financial due diligence support on behalf of AUA Private Equity. Taylor English Duma LLP provided legal advice on behalf of Epi Breads.

About AUA Private Equity Partners,

AUA Private Equity Partners is an operationally focused, lower middle-market investment firm providing strategic capital to companies in the consumer products and consumer services sectors with a particular focus on family-owned businesses or companies benefiting from the growth of the U.S. Hispanic population. AUA Private Equity makes equity investments of $20 to $75 million in companies that generate in excess of $5 million in EBITDA. For more information on AUA Private Equity Partners, please visit www.auaequity.com.

About Epic Baking Company (f/k/a “Lavoi Corporation”, d/b/a “Epi Breads”)

Founded in 1985 in Atlanta, GA, Epi Breads bakes and distributes a range of artisan-crafted bread products including hoagies, rolls and buns for leading foodservice chains and grocery retailers. The Company operates two BRC-certified facilities in Muskegon, Michigan and Atlanta, Georgia.

CONTACT

AUA Private Equity Partners
Sean Gagnon
sean.gagnon@auaequity.com
212.231.8650