LOS ANGELES, CA – November 1, 2022 – Universal Pure Holdings, LLC (“Universal Pure”) is pleased to announce the company is now a part of Aurora Capital Partners (Aurora). Universal Pure is the largest independent provider of high pressure processing (“HPP”) and related food safety and technical services for cold chain-oriented human and pet food customers. The transaction with Aurora follows a successful tenure with Tilia Holdings, including exponential and rapid growth both commercially and geographically for Universal Pure. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Jeff Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Universal Pure, and the current executive leadership team will continue to lead the company’s operations. Jeff comments, “Aurora has a well-deserved reputation of partnering with management teams to help accelerate growth. We are confident they are the right partner for Universal Pure at this stage of its development, and with their partnership, we are excited to continue adding to the solutions we offer our customers and to execute on our many growth initiatives.”
Founded in 2001, Universal Pure is the HPP partner of choice to food, beverage, and pet food manufacturers in North America and pairs that leadership position with an unrivaled suite of value-added services, including cold storage, bottling, kitting and assembly, dry aging, tempering, and inventory management. HPP is a unique technology that utilizes water and pressure to inactivate food-borne pathogens without the use of chemicals or other additives while also dramatically extending product shelf life without compromising nutritional value, taste, or texture. The Company’s footprint includes eight facilities positioned nationwide across major shipping lanes and distribution centers in the U.S.
Rob Celin, Tilia Principal and Chief of Staff and Board Director of Universal Pure added, “We are delighted with this successful outcome for our investors and the Company. Universal Pure has performed exceptionally under Jeff’s leadership, and it has been a privilege working alongside the entire Universal Pure team to execute our value creation plan. We are confident that the significant investments made to develop Universal Pure’s footprint, HPP capacity, service offering, and world-class team and organization position the Company for accelerated growth. We believe Aurora will be a great partner to Universal Pure and wish for their continued success moving forward.”
The sale transaction was led by Co-CEOs Eric Larson and Johannes Burlin, Principal and Chief of Staff Rob Celin, and Associate Steve Marvin. William Blair & Company LLC and Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc. served as financial advisors, Mayer Brown LLP served as legal advisor, and Deloitte & Touche LLP served as accounting and tax advisor in connection with the sale.
View the Universal Pure press release here.
View the Aurora Capital Holdings press release here.
View the Tilia Holdings announcement here.
