#USA #Countryside #Burlington Capital #Sokol Custom Food #Solina Group

Burlington Capital Partners Completes the Sale of Sokol to Solina

In a notable development within the food ingredient sector, Burlington Capital Partners (BCP) has finalized the sale of Sokol Custom Food Ingredients (Sokol) to Solina, a major player in the food industry headquartered in France. This strategic acquisition consolidates Solina’s market presence and enhances their operational capabilities, especially in the foodservice and nutrition sectors.

Founded in 1895 and based in Countryside, Illinois, Sokol has a rich legacy as a formulator and manufacturer of liquid food ingredient products. Catering to various clientele that includes food manufacturers and consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, Sokol specializes in products intended for both retail and foodservice markets. The acquisition marks a significant milestone for Solina, which now boasts over 4,000 employees globally.

The journey of Sokol has seen considerable transformation since BCP acquired it in 2022. Under the leadership of a new management team, including Shawn Sullivan as CEO, Lauren Davis as CFO, and John Pimpo as VP of Sales and Marketing, Sokol has embarked on a focused growth strategy. This approach has involved strategic divestitures and a robust emphasis on customer experience, which have collectively contributed to the company’s steady progress in the market.

Shawn Sullivan expressed gratitude towards BCP, acknowledging the firm’s substantial support during their partnership. “Together, we grew Sokol through a focused go-to-market strategy, strategic divestitures, and a customer-first culture,” he stated. With Solina’s resources, Sullivan and his management team are poised to advance Sokol’s mission in delivering quality products to their diverse customer base.

Tim Novak, a partner at BCP, reflected on the significance of the acquisition, highlighting Sokol as an exemplary model of BCP’s commitment to supporting family-owned businesses. He emphasized the collaborative efforts made with Sokol’s management that contributed to the business's successful transformation and enhanced professional standing.

Michael Baldwin, also a partner at BCP, reiterated the value of this partnership, expressing appreciation for the management and employees of Sokol who played crucial roles in achieving favorable outcomes for investors.

The transition to Solina is strategic as it enables Sokol to tap into a broader range of resources and expertise that Solina offers on a global scale. With this new ownership structure, Sokol's management team will continue operating the business, ensuring continuity in leadership and maintaining the company's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Legal advisors Fredrikson & Byron PA and Koley Jessen PC played supportive roles during this transaction, while Cascadia Capital acted as the financial advisor, facilitating a seamless transition of ownership for Sokol.

As the food industry continues to evolve dynamically, this sale illustrates both BCP’s effective investment strategy and Solina’s commitment to broadening its portfolio within the global marketplace. Burlington Capital Partners remains focused on investing in founder-owned or family-owned lower middle-market businesses, exemplified by this transaction that is expected to foster innovation and growth in the food ingredients sector. For more insights into their operations and future plans, BCP invites interested parties to visit their website at www.burlingtoncp.us.