#USA #Chicago #Lillie's Q #OWS Foods #Barbeque Brand

BGL Facilitates the Acquisition of Lillie's Q by OWS Foods

In an exciting development for the gourmet food industry, Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL) proudly announces the successful sale of Lillie's Q Sauces & Rubs, LLC to OWS Foods. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Lillie's Q, a reputable brand known for its premium barbeque sauces and rubs, as it prepares for expansive growth in the market.

Founded in 2010 by the talented Chef Charlie McKenna, a two-time World Barbecue Champion, Lillie's Q has carved out a niche for itself by leveraging authentic Southern flavors in its product line. Born out of McKenna's childhood experiences in Greenville, South Carolina, the brand incorporates recipes developed with the influence of his grandmother Lillie, from whom the brand derives its name. McKenna's journey through BBQ competitions across the Southeastern United States led to the creation of distinct sauces characteristic of each locale, showcasing a rich heritage of BBQ culture.

The successful transition to a consumer-packaged goods (CPG) portfolio in 2014, led by Chef McKenna and co-founder Brian Golinvaux, saw Lillie's Q products hitting retail grocery shelves. With a deep commitment to quality and flavor, the brand quickly earned a loyal following among barbeque enthusiasts and casual cooks alike.

In response to the sale, Chef McKenna expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities that lie ahead. He acknowledged, “With BGL's guidance, we were able to find and engage with the right partner to accelerate the Lillie's Q brand. My vision has always been to make our products accessible to every household, and I believe that the resources and platform of a larger organization will be a game-changer for us.” Golinvaux echoed this sentiment, praising BGL for running an efficient process that ultimately secured a fantastic partner for the company.

OWS Foods, established in 1988 and known for its Championship BBQ sauces and rubs, such as Head Country, is thrilled to welcome Lillie's Q into its portfolio. Operating out of a state-of-the-art research and innovation facility in Overland Park, Kansas, OWS is well-positioned to enhance Lillie's Q's reach within conventional grocery, food service, and club channels across the nation.

The partnership between Lillie's Q and OWS Foods promises not only to amplify Lillie's Q’s market presence but also to foster innovation in new product development. The unique combination of OWS's research capabilities with McKenna’s award-winning taste profiles is expected to yield complementary products that further excite consumers in the specialty foods space.

BGL's Food and Beverage investment banking team, under the leadership of Managing Director Daniel Gomez, has been instrumental in navigating this transaction, drawing from extensive sector experience to provide valuable insights and strategies to both Lillie's Q and OWS Foods throughout the sales process.

In closing, the acquisition of Lillie's Q by OWS Foods signifies a robust step towards uniting two passionate entities dedicated to delivering exceptional barbeque flavors to households across the country. With the backing of OWS Foods, Lillie's Q is set to reach new heights, bringing its authentic Southern taste into kitchens everywhere. This development not only strengthens Lillie's Q’s position within the market but also reflects ongoing trends of consolidation and innovation within the gourmet food sector.

Overall, this acquisition stands as a testament to BGL’s commitment to facilitating growth and opportunity within the food and beverage industry, reaffirming its role as a trusted advisor in strategic financial transactions.