Sequel Holdings, L.P. (Dallas, TX) announces its recent investment in Brady Enterprises, Inc., a food manufacturer based in Weymouth, Massachusetts. Brady Enterprises, which was established by the Brady family in 1964, specializes in the manufacture and packaging of various powdered food products and food ingredients for companies in the consumer packaged goods industry. In addition, Brady manufactures and sells Bell’s® seasonings and stuffings and Bar-Tender’s® cocktail mixes, primarily in the New England market.

“Our family considered a number of strategic alternatives before we decided on a transaction with Sequel,” said Mary Brady Gudolawicz. “We are very pleased to have created liquidity for our family and to have partnered with a team that brings such extensive experience growing businesses in the food manufacturing sector.”

The transaction, which includes an investment by Sequel Holdings and a co-investment by Gemini Investors, results in the sale of substantially all of the ownership interests in the company. “The Brady family and the existing management team have done an impressive job positioning Brady Enterprises in the growing specialty food and food ingredient sector,” said Ron Klein, Managing Director of Sequel Holdings. “We look forward to assisting them in building upon the strong foundation they have laid and continuing the legacy of the Brady family.”

Brady Enterprises owns and operates two manufacturing facilities within the Weymouth, Massachusetts area. Its services include specialty spray drying, blending, mixing and packaging of powdered food and nutraceutical products, as both ingredients and finished products.

The investment banking firm, Tully & Holland, Inc., acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Brady Enterprises in its sale to Sequel. “The transaction with Sequel successfully met the objective of the selling shareholders, namely attracting a purchaser with expertise in the food industry that will continue the legacy of the Brady family and value the contribution of its management team and longstanding employees” said Christopher Kampe, Managing Director at Tully & Holland.

About Sequel Holdings, L.P.

Sequel Holdings is a Dallas-based private equity firm focused on investing in and growing middle market companies, primarily in the food, beverage, agribusiness, plastics, and other industrial sectors. For more information on Sequel, please see our website at www.sequelholdings.com.

About Gemini Investors

Based in Wellesley, MA, Gemini Investors is a private equity firm focused on providing capital to established, growing businesses in the lower end of the middle market. . Since the firm was founded, Gemini has invested approximately $500 million in more than 90 companies across a broad range of industries. For more information on Gemini, please see www.gemini-investors.com.

SOURCE Sequel Holdings, L.P.

J & J Produce, Inc. (Loxahatchee, Florida) announced today that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Sequel Holdings, L.P., a Dallas, Texas based private equity firm. J & J Produce, Inc., headquartered in Loxahatchee, Florida, is a leading grower, shipper and distributor of fresh produce. The investment in the company by Sequel Holdings, L.P., which specializes in the food and agribusiness industries, will provide growth capital for J & J Produce as it expands its scope of sales and marketing operations in North America.

Chris Erneston, President of J & J Produce, stated that “Our management team is excited about this new partnership with Sequel. We have dynamic plans for growth of the company into new markets by developing partnerships with additional growers in North and Central America and enhancing our sales and marketing force. This new partnership with Sequel will provide the capital to expand rapidly and allow us to take advantage of our competitive advantages in the marketplace.”

“We are very pleased to be able to support the Erneston family’s rich tradition and reputation in the produce industry,” said Lynn Rundle, Operating Partner at Sequel Holdings, L.P. “The management team has demonstrated their ability to provide their customers with consistent quality produce and service over many years and we are excited about backing them as they grow their business,” he added.

Sequel Holdings, L.P. is pleased to announce the recent addition of Ron Klein, Managing Director, and Lynn Rundle, Operating Partner, to its team.

Ron Klein brings more than 16 years of experience in investment banking, strategic planning and corporate development, having completed over 70 mergers, acquisitions and strategic alliances. Mr. Klein has also held top operating responsibilities at Dean Foods Company, most recently leading its cultured products division. In his capacity as Managing Director, Mr. Klein will lead Sequel’s efforts to source and execute middle market transactions in the food and beverage arena.

Lynn Rundle, most recently founder and CEO of 21st Century Grain Processing, a leading specialty grain-based ingredient manufacturer, has spent nearly 30 years in the agriculture and food ingredient industries. Mr. Rundle has devoted his career to promoting agriculture and identifying opportunities for producers. He has acted as an educator, leader and executive for various producer associations, as well as a business developer and entrepreneur, responsible for the creation of several successful value-added agribusinesses. In his role as Operating Partner with Sequel, Mr. Rundle will concentrate his efforts on identifying investment opportunities in the agribusiness and related food products sectors and lending his expertise in growing and creating value in these businesses.

John Madden, Managing Partner of Sequel Holdings, stated, “We are excited about the addition of both Lynn and Ron to our team. Their complementary skill sets and depth of experience will increase our capability to identify attractive businesses, execute transactions, and work with management teams to create shareholder value. Lynn’s long history of operational success in the agribusiness sector demonstrates his deep knowledge of the industry as well as his ability to build talented teams and execute successful market strategies. Ron brings a unique background, with vast experience in mergers and acquisitions in the food and beverage industry, combined with strategic planning and operational experience. Sequel is fortunate to have the opportunity to add professionals of this caliber, with their depth of experience, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to success.”

Lynn Rundle commented, “As CEO of 21st Century Grain Processing, I had the opportunity to work closely with Sequel Holdings after its investment in the company in 2006. Sequel was a true value-adding partner in our business, helping us strategically position the company and grow sales over threefold, ultimately realizing significant value for our stakeholders through the recent sale of the business to Viterra, Inc. I am excited to be part of a team that can work with management to add value at each stage of the growth process and enable companies to achieve their strategic goals.”

Ron Klein added, “I am pleased to be joining forces with Sequel Holdings at this time. Sequel’s focus and knowledge of the food and beverage sectors makes it uniquely qualified to identify companies that can benefit from the capital and other business enhancing resources it provides. I look forward to contributing to Sequel’s proven track record of success.”

Sequel also announced that it is working together with Falcon Investment Advisors to modify their existing relationship. Madden stated, “We have had a long-standing and successful affiliation with Falcon and its principals for almost 20 years. We intend to continue our affiliation and work together with Falcon to identify investment opportunities in middle market businesses where we have industry experience and knowledge. Going forward, we will determine, on a case by case basis, whether to invest in businesses jointly or separately, giving us additional flexibility to meet the needs of specific transactions.”

About Sequel Holdings, L.P.

Sequel Holdings is a Dallas-based private equity firm focused on investing in and growing middle market companies, primarily in the food, beverage, agribusiness, plastics, and other industrial sectors. For more information on Sequel, please see our website at www.sequelholdings.com.

SOURCE Sequel Holdings, L.P.