Funds advised by Apax Partners LLP announced today that they have completed the acquisition of Bazooka Candy Brands, a portfolio of non-chocolate confectionary brands, from Michael D. Eisner’s Tornante Company and funds affiliated with Madison Dearborn Partners (“MDP”).
Bazooka produces, markets, and distributes a range of confectionary brands, including Ring Pop, Push Pop, Baby Bottle Pop, Juicy Drop, and Bazooka Bubble Gum. The company’s portfolio spans lollipops, gummies, chewy candy, gum, and chocolate, packed in unique formats to deliver Edible Entertainment experiences to generations of customers worldwide. Over the past several years, Bazooka’s U.S. retail sales growth has significantly outpaced the overall confectionary category, and in the year-to-date period through August 2023, retail sales have grown approximately 29% year-over-year. Effective upon the transaction’s closing, Tony Jacobs, Bazooka Candy Brands’ long-time president, has been promoted to chief executive officer.