#United States #Paine Schwartz #Lyons Magnus #Fresno #Truelink Capital

Overview of the Sale

On July 20, 2026, Paine Schwartz Partners, the largest private equity firm committed to sustainable food chain investments, finalized the sale of Lyons Magnus to Truelink Capital. The deal followed a definitive agreement signed in June and received the necessary regulatory approvals, marking the beginning of a new era for the well-established foodservice ingredient manufacturer based in Fresno, California.

About Lyons Magnus

Founded in 1852, Lyons Magnus specializes in producing a diverse range of products including syrups, sauces, and healthcare nutrition solutions tailored for the foodservice sector. Over the years, it has established itself as a leader in providing innovative beverage solutions to major clients such as coffeehouse and fast-food chains across North America. The company's manufacturing facilities are strategically located throughout the United States, enabling it to cater effectively to its extensive customer base.

The Role of Paine Schwartz Partners

Paine Schwartz Partners has played a pivotal role in the growth of Lyons Magnus during its tenure. Investing through the Paine Schwartz Food Chain Fund IV, the firm worked closely with the management team to bolster the company’s market position. They focused on commercial expansion, research and development, and strategic acquisitions, which nearly doubled the company’s revenue to over $1 billion during Paine Schwartz's ownership.

As Kevin Schwartz, the CEO and Managing Partner of Paine Schwartz, noted, the partnership was born from recognizing the immense potential within Lyons Magnus. He expressed pride in the achievements made during their collaboration, emphasizing strengthened operations and enhanced growth prospects for the iconic brand.

Transition to Truelink Capital

With the successful transition to Truelink Capital, Jim Davis, the CEO of Lyons Magnus, echoed sentiments of gratitude towards Paine Schwartz. He acknowledged that their support was instrumental in evolving Lyons Magnus from its storied past, while also preparing it for future innovations. As the company gears up for its next chapter, the commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable nutritional solutions remains at the forefront of its mission.

Financial Advisors Involved

The transaction was meticulously facilitated, with Evercore acting as the lead financial advisor for Paine Schwartz, while William Blair also contributed as a financial advisor. Morrison Foerster provided the necessary legal guidance throughout the deal, ensuring all aspects were handled with precision. On the side of Truelink Capital, Stifel served as their financial advisor, demonstrating a robust advisory network involved in facilitating the transaction.

Conclusion

The acquisition of Lyons Magnus by Truelink Capital represents not only a significant move for the private equity firm but also a promising opportunity for Lyons Magnus as it continues to innovate and expand within the foodservice industry. As the landscape of food and beverage services evolves, Lyons Magnus is well-positioned to leverage its heritage while embracing new growth avenues under Truelink's management.