Brynwood Partners acquires controlling stake in Back to Nature brand
Brynwood Partners VI L.P., Greenwich, Conn., signed a definitive agreement on Aug. 22 to acquire a controlling stake in the Back to Nature brand food business through a joint venture partnership with Kraft Foods, Northfield, Ill. Kraft Foods will continue to hold a substantial minority stake in the business and will have board representation in the joint venture that is to be formed. Terms and conditions of the transaction, which is scheduled to close in October, will not be disclosed.
Founded in 1960, Back to Nature is one of the original natural food brands in the United States. The joint venture will initially offer Back to Nature products in four categories: crackers, cookies, trail mixes and nuts, and granola, while management of the Back to Nature macaroni and cheese business will remain with Kraft Foods. Back to Nature products are widely distributed in the United States through leading retailers in the natural, food, drug, mass and club channels.