C.H. Guenther expands tortilla capabilities with acquisition

SAN ANTONIO — C.H. Guenther & Son LLC (CHG) has acquired Les Aliments Mejicano Inc., an Anjou, Que.-based maker of flour tortillas. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

C.H. Guenther & Son said the acquisition “significantly expands” its tortilla manufacturing and distribution capabilities, strengthening its ability to serve the North American foodservice and retail markets. The transaction comes less than a year after C.H. Guenther acquired Fresca Mexican Foods, LLC, a Boise, Idaho-based maker of flour tortillas, corn tortillas and tortilla chips.

“This is an exciting step forward for CHG as we continue to invest in high-growth, high-demand categories,” said Rod Hepponstall, president and chief executive officer of C.H. Guenther & Son. “Mejicano brings exceptional manufacturing capabilities, strong customer relationships and a reputation for quality that aligns perfectly with our values. Together, we are even better positioned to deliver innovative, premium products and service to our customers.”

Based near Montreal, Mejicano operates two facilities running a total of four production lines that are expected to enhance C.H. Guenther & Son’s supply chain flexibility and capacity and enable the combined company to better support national and regional foodservice and retail partners, as well as private label customers.

“We are proud to join the C.H. Guenther family at such an exciting time for our business,” said Philippe and Pascal Gadoua, co-owners of Mejicano Foods. “CHG shares our deep commitment to quality, innovation and customer partnership. This combination creates new opportunities for our team and customers alike, allowing us to expand our reach while continuing to deliver the products and service our partners rely on. We are excited about what we will accomplish together.”

C.H. Guenther & Son is owned by investment firm Pritzker Private Capital (PPC) along with management and co-investors. The company has a global footprint, employs approximately 5,000 and has 30 manufacturing locations in the United States, Canada and Europe. The company manufactures value-added grain-based and frozen food products for foodservice and retail. Brands owned by the company include Pioneer, White Wings, Sun-Bird and Cuisine Adventures. The company’s roots date to 1851, when Carl H. Guenther built a flour mill near Fredericksburg, Texas. The business moved to San Antonio in 1859 and was renamed Pioneer Flour Mills in 1898. The original name was readopted in 1999. Following a period of rapid expansion in the 2000s, the business was acquired by a group led by PPC in partnership with co-investors and management in April 2018.

“This acquisition is a reflection of CHG’s momentum as it continues to scale its footprint in attractive categories,” said Phillip Iler, principal at PPC. “Mejicano’s capabilities and customer relationships are highly complementary to CHG’s core business, and we believe the combined platform is well positioned for continued growth. We look forward to continuing to support CHG’s efforts to broaden their platform in support of their customers.”