RICHMOND, VA – January 10, 2013 – Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. is pleased to announce the sale of Old Dominion Peanut Company, Inc. (“ODP”), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Virginia Food Group, Inc., to Hammond’s Candies (“Hammond’s”).
Bill Del Chiaro, CEO of ODP noted, “The entire Matrix team worked diligently through all of the intricacies of this transaction to ensure its success. They provided our shareholders with an ideal exit plan while still maintaining the Company’s heritage. The acquisition by Hammond’s Candies complements our business, product offering and growth trajectory.”
Andrew Schuman, CEO of Hammond’s added, “Hammond’s is looking forward to growing both companies and becoming a true leader across multiple segments within the candy and snack industry. Bill and his team at ODP have built a great company with a strong reputation. There are numerous synergies and market share opportunities between these two companies, which we expect to capitalize on quickly.”
Founded in 1913 and headquartered in Norfolk, VA, ODP is currently the largest manufacturer and marketer of branded brittle and peanut candy in the U.S. Bill Del Chiaro along with a group of private investors purchased ODP in 2004. Since then, the industry expertise, customer relationships and distribution channels that Mr. Del Chiaro and his team brought to the Company enabled ODP to successfully execute the Company’s strategic repositioning plan. Hammond’s Candies of Denver, CO has been handcrafting and twisting the finest every day and holiday confections for over 90 years. The company is recognized for its oversized candy canes, beautifully spun ribbon candy and lollipops. An investor group led by Mr. Schuman acquired Hammond’s in 2007. Using his specialty retail background and entrepreneurial zeal, Mr. Schuman has grown the business and its product offerings. Hammond’s purchased McCraw’s Candies in 2010, and also expanded its existing product lines to include dips & snack pretzels, gourmet caramel corns and an award-winning line of chocolate bars.
Matrix served as the exclusive financial advisor to ODP and its shareholders. The transaction was led by Jeff Moore, Katie Millner and Brady Hill.
MCG Capital Corporation provided financing as the senior and subordinated lender and Cambridge Information Group provided equity capital for the transaction. Attorneys involved in the transaction included Edmunds & Williams based in Lynchburg, VA, who represented the seller, and Thomas Genshaft Cramer, located in Aspen, CO, who represented the buyer. Cherry Bekaert & Holland based in Norfolk, VA served as the seller’s accounting firm.
About Matrix Capital Markets Group
Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. is an independent, advisory focused, privately-held investment bank headquartered in Richmond, VA. Since 1988, Matrix has provided merger & acquisition and financial advisory services for privately-held, private-equity owned and publicly traded companies, including sell-side M&A advisory, recapitalizations, asset divestitures, corporate valuations, corporate recovery, buy-side M&A advisory, capital raises of debt and equity, management buyouts, corporate advisory and fairness opinions. Matrix has served clients in a wide range of industries, including building products, business services, consumer products, energy & multi-site retail, healthcare, industrial products, lumber and media & communications. For additional information, please visit www.matrixcmg.com.
Securities offered by Matrix Private Equities, Inc., an affiliate of Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC.