Gryphon satisfies its sweet tooth with second dessert acquisition

20-Jul-2016 - Last updated on 13-Nov-2023 at 11:59 GMT

Lawler Foods makes creamy cheesecakes with moist layers.

Private equity firm, Gryphon Investors, has agreed to acquire Lawler Foods, which manufactures gourmet cheesecakes, layer cakes, pies and other desserts for retail and foodservice customers across North America. 

The acquisition, which is expected to close at the end of July, expands Gryphon’s premium dessert platform after it bought The Original Cakerie, last year. 

The two companies complement each other

Based near Houston, Texas, Lawler Foods is a family-owned business and its management will remain in place under the new ownership apart from  Wes Stasny, VP, sales, who will now become president.

Keith Stimson, partner, Gryphon, said the acquisition represents a strategic fit for its premium dessert platform. 

He said there was little overlap between Lawler Foods and The Original Cakerie and it was confident the two companies will expand its customer relationships within North America.

“Lawler Foods is a perfect complement to The Original Cakerie on many levels, expanding both product offerings and the geographic footprint,” said Matt Farron, Gryphon principal. 

Lawler Foods' business has been built on the foundation of "home-made" taste and quality, to bake creamy cheesecakes, moist layer cakes, and grandmother-quality pies. 

Expansion

Mike Lawler, a member of the founding Lawler family, added, while the family business has grown successfully for over 40 years, joining Gryphon will help the company to achieve a new level of success and expand.

BakeryandSnacks reported in December, Gryphon Investors made a majority investment in The Original Cakerie, which makes frozen desserts for customers in the US and Canada.

The company recently won a 2015 Food and Beverage (FABI) Award for its Inspired by Happiness gluten-free two-layer Dreamin’cakes by The National Restaurant Association (NRA).  

Among Gryphon’s previous investments in the food industry are Flagstone Foods, Trusthouse Services Group, and Eight O’Clock Coffee.

Keith Stimson, partner and head, Gryphon’s Consumer Group, said consumers value affordable indulgence across economic cycles, and are increasingly searching for quality products and clean-label ingredients and in-store bakery sections of supermarkets and foodservice customers continue to look for high-quality dessert offerings.