organicgirl Merges with Braga Fresh and Acquires Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle
Deal News | Aug 05, 2025 | Arable Capital Partners, LLC
Arable Capital Partners, a private investment firm committed to sustainable food and agribusiness, has announced a strategic merger and acquisition transaction involving its portfolio company, organicgirl, Braga Fresh, and Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle. Organicgirl, the U.S. leader in branded organic salads, has merged with Braga Fresh, a vertically integrated grower of both conventional and organic vegetables, and subsequently acquired Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle, renowned for its salad kits and blends. This deal positions the combined entity for diversified growth and enhances competitive market presence. Tim Stejskal will lead the new company as CEO, having previously held significant leadership positions at both Fresh Innovations and Dole Fresh Vegetables. Leaders from all companies involved have expressed enthusiasm for the strategic synergies, particularly in expanding scale, resources, and market opportunities. Arable's managing directors underscore the merger's alignment with their investment philosophy of partnering with industry-leading businesses to create value and drive long-term success.
Sectors
- Food and Agribusiness
- Private Equity
Geography
- United States – All participant companies, organicgirl, Braga Fresh, and Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle, operate and serve customers across the United States. Additionally, Arable Capital Partners is based in the U.S.
Industry
- Food and Agribusiness – This industry focuses on businesses involved in the production, processing, and distribution of food and agricultural products. The merger and acquisition of organicgirl, Braga Fresh, and Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle highlight significant activity within the sustainable food and agribusiness sector.
- Private Equity – Private equity firms invest in companies across various industries, often to facilitate growth or restructuring. Arable Capital Partners' involvement in orchestrating the merger exemplifies activity within this financial sector.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| organicgirl, LLC | Target Company | Company | A leading U.S. branded organic salad producer, part of Arable Capital Partners' portfolio. |
| Braga Fresh, LLC | Target Company | Company | A grower and processor of conventional and organic vegetables, known for brands such as Josies Organics. |
| Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle | Target Company | Company | A division of Dole plc, providing a wide range of fresh produce and salad kits. |
| Arable Capital Partners, LLC | Private Equity Firm | Company | An investment firm focusing on sustainable food and agribusiness, facilitating the strategic merger and acquisition. |
| Tim Stejskal | Chief Executive Officer | Person | Newly appointed CEO of the combined entity, with prior leadership roles at Fresh Innovations and Dole Fresh Vegetables. |
| Mark Drever | Co-founder of organicgirl | Person | Instrumental in promoting the new potential unlocked for the organicgirl brand through the merger. |
| Rod Braga | President and CEO of Braga Fresh | Person | Key figure in the integration process, emphasizing exceptional value for customers. |
| Derek Yurosek | Managing Director of Arable Capital Partners | Person | Highlighting the strategic acquisition and its long-term growth potential within Arable's framework. |
| Greg Richards | Managing Director of Arable Capital Partners | Person | Emphasizes the creation of value through strategic mergers within the agribusiness sector. |