College Fresh Sells to Upper Crust Food Service with Mesirow's Guidance
Deal News | Jan 21, 2025 | Mesirow Financial Private Equi
Mesirow Financial Private Equity has completed another successful transaction, advising College Fresh, a leader in collegiate food services management, on its sale to Upper Crust Food Service. Founded in 2010 and based in Champaign, IL, College Fresh specializes in providing comprehensive food services to fraternities, sororities, and private residence halls. Known for their premium, customized offerings, College Fresh has become a notable player in the institutional food services sector. Mesirow's team, especially their Food, Beverage & Agribusiness division, demonstrated their expertise by securing an optimal outcome for College Fresh and its shareholders. Jack Dawson, College Fresh's President, expressed enthusiasm about joining the Upper Crust team in a leadership role, aiming to continue delivering exceptional service and maintaining partnerships. This transaction underscores Mesirow's strength in the food services market and highlights their proven track record of managing complex transactions, contributing to their completion of over 325 deals in recent years.
Sectors
- Food Services Management
- Private Equity
Geography
- United States – The article takes place in the United States, with College Fresh being based in Champaign, IL, and Mesirow Financial located in Chicago.
Industry
- Food Services Management – The article discusses the acquisition of College Fresh, a company that provides food services management solutions, highlighting the industry focus on managing dining services for institutions.
- Private Equity – The involvement of Mesirow Financial Private Equity as the advisor in this transaction underscores its significance within the private equity and financial advisory sector.
Financials
- – The article does not specify any financial details related to the transaction, such as the sale price or valuation.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesirow Financial Private Equity | Financial Advisor | Company | An independent, employee-owned financial services firm that acted as the exclusive financial advisor for the sale of College Fresh. |
| College Fresh, Inc. | Target Company | Company | A provider of food services management solutions to fraternities, sororities, and private residence halls, based in Champaign, IL. |
| Upper Crust Food Service | Bidding Company | Company | The acquiring company in the transaction, which purchased College Fresh. |
| Jack Dawson | President | Person | President of College Fresh who will take on a leadership role at Upper Crust following the acquisition. |
| Paul Mariani | Managing Director and Head of Food, Beverage & Agribusiness Investment Banking | Person | A key figure at Mesirow who commented on the significance of the transaction. |