Entrepreneurial Equity Partners (“e2p”), a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on the food and beverage industry, announced today that it has made an investment in Bil-Jac Foods (“Bil-Jac” or the “Company”) in partnership with Ray Kelly. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Bil-Jac has been a trusted name in pet nutrition for over 75 years, specializing in the production of premium dog food and treats. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and a proprietary manufacturing process, Bil-Jac delivers exceptional nutrition to dogs of all breeds and ages. The Company produces a wide variety of dog food and treats, including dry kibble for all life stages, soft and chewy treats for training and rewarding, wet food recipes like chicken and beef stews, frozen dog food, and specialized diets for dogs with unique nutritional needs. Bil-Jac’s products stand apart by utilizing a proprietary small-batch, gentle cooking process that locks in nutrients and flavor while ensuring optimal digestibility. The Company operates out of two facilities located in Berlin, Maryland as well as Medina, Ohio.
e2p Partner Ryan Schweet commented, “We are pleased to partner with one of the nation’s oldest and highest quality family-owned pet food companies. Bil-Jac has a stellar legacy of producing superior pet products, and we are committed to supporting Bil-Jac’s growth with additional resources to better serve the needs of our customers. e2p is excited to leverage our network and industry expertise to support Bil-Jac in continuing to deliver premium products to its customers while helping the brand reach its next stage of growth.”
Ron Coughlin joins Bil-Jac’s Board of Directors as Executive Chairman and an investor, bringing decades of leadership and industry experience to the Company. Formerly CEO of Petco, Coughlin is recognized for driving growth and innovation in the pet nutrition sector.
“I am excited to work alongside the Bil-Jac team, and I am confident that we will continue to drive innovation in the pet food space,” noted Coughlin. “Bil-Jac is an iconic and highly respected brand with a rich history and deep trust among pet parents. I am excited to build on this foundation and help develop a strategic growth plan that ensures even more dogs can benefit from Bil-Jac’s commitment to quality, nutrition and care.”
Ray Kelly, whose father founded the Company in 1947, has also joined Bil-Jac’s Board of Directors.
Lincoln International served as the exclusive financial advisor to Bil-Jac Foods.