Rise Baking completes acquisition of Jimmy’s

MINNEAPOLIS — Rise Baking Co. has closed its acquisition of Clifton, NJ-based commercial baker Jimmy’s Gourmet Bakery.

Announced in June, the addition of Jimmy’s — known for its premium cookies — bolsters Minneapolis-based Rise Baking’s presence in the cookie category and expands its manufacturing capabilities in the Northeast. Jimmy’s product lineup is led by the Jimmy’s Cookies brand and includes the King Krumb cookie line and Ecce Panis artisan bread, along with a range of private label, seasonal and limited-time items.

“We’ve admired what the Jimmy’s team has built over the years, and we’re excited to welcome them to Rise,” said Mark McNeil, chief executive officer of Rise Baking. “What makes this acquisition special is the people. Jimmy’s has built an outstanding team, a strong culture and a reputation for delivering innovative products and service. Together, we’ll build on that foundation as we continue investing in our customers, our people and the future of our business.”

Plans call for Jimmy’s to continue operating independently as both companies work on the integration process, with a focus on continuity for employees, customers and business partners, according to Rise Baking. Financial terms of the acquisition weren’t disclosed. Rise also aims to leverage Jimmy’s innovation capabilities.

“Jimmy’s success has been built on quality, craftsmanship and the people behind our business,” said Howard Hirsch, CEO of Jimmy’s Gourmet Bakery. “This acquisition allows us to build on that legacy while creating new opportunities for our employees, partners and customers.”

Also known for its thaw-and-sell baked foods, Jimmy’s serves retail and foodservice customers nationwide. The company operates three manufacturing facilities, totaling more than 350,000 square feet of production space.

  “Our focus remains the same: delivering exceptional products and outstanding service to our customers,” said Michael Pisani, president of Jimmy’s. “With Rise, we’ll have even greater resources to innovate, grow and continue meeting our customers’ evolving needs.”