April 16, 2018

Gauge Capital Recapitalizes American Nuts

Gauge Capital LLC (“Gauge”) announced today that it has completed a majority recapitalization of American Nuts (the “Company”), a value-added supplier and processor of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit to the bulk retail, portion control retail, and the industrial and foodservice ingredient markets. The Company’s executive management team retained significant ownership in American Nuts.

Based in Sylmar, California, American Nuts is focused on the procurement of a wide variety of high quality, hard-to-source products from around the globe. The Company also provides custom roasting, seasoning, and packaging solutions to numerous retail and industrial food customers, all while maintaining the highest safety and quality standards.

“American Nuts represents a unique and differentiated food ingredient platform that we believe is poised for future growth. We are thrilled to be partnering with a management team that has deep capabilities in sourcing, sales, and operations,” said Drew Johnson, Partner at Gauge.

Gary Eshgian, Founder of American Nuts, said, “We believe Gauge provides the right package of partnership and experience for our Company. There is tremendous opportunity for the Company going forward that we look forward to capturing together.”

Duncan Lavery, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Nuts, added, “We were highly deliberate about our selection of a partner. We are excited to work with Gauge as we expand our business, capabilities, and customers.”

As part of the investment, Drew Johnson, Whitney Bowman, and Sam Banon from Gauge have joined the Board of Managers of American Nuts.