News Summary
Monogram Capital Partners has successfully reacquired Western Smokehouse Partners in a $500 million deal, marking its largest transaction since inception. The family-owned business, known for premium meat snacks, shows substantial growth potential. Following a prior stake sale, Monogram aims to expand operations, doubling production capacity and opening new facilities. The reacquisition underscores Monogram’s commitment to the thriving meat snack market, which is projected to reach $6 billion by 2027, as consumer preferences shift towards healthier snack options.
Beverly Hills
Monogram Capital Partners has successfully reacquired Western Smokehouse Partners, a prominent contract manufacturer renowned for its premium meat sticks, in a groundbreaking deal estimated to be worth approximately $500 million. This acquisition represents Monogram’s largest transaction to date since the firm’s establishment 11 years ago.
While Jared Stein, co-founder and partner at Monogram, did not confirm the precise financial details, he described the reacquisition as the firm’s 39th investment and emphasized its success in the market. Western Smokehouse, identified as a family-owned business, is seen as having substantial potential for market growth.
Monogram initially acquired a majority stake in Western Smokehouse in 2018 but later sold that stake to AUA Private Equity while maintaining a minority interest. Following the reacquisition, Stein will return as the board’s chair, a role he held previously for two years. Notably, AUA Private Equity will no longer have a presence on the board of Western Smokehouse.
Market Trends and Expansion Plans
This reacquisition occurs amid a pronounced growth trend in the meat snacks sector. Sales of dried meat snacks, excluding jerky, surged by 10%, reaching $3.29 billion in December 2024 compared to December 2023. The overall U.S. meat snacks market expanded from $1.5 billion in 2015 to approximately $5 billion in 2023, with projections estimating it could reach $6 billion by 2027.
The executives at Monogram have expressed confidence in both Western Smokehouse and the broader meat snacks industry. To support its growth, Western Smokehouse plans to scale its operations, aiming to expand its number of facilities to seven by the end of the year, addressing increased production demands. The Chief Executive of Western Smokehouse stated that the company is well-positioned to double its production capacity in the forthcoming year.
Investment Strategy
Monogram’s investment strategy has centered around companies producing snack foods made with organic ingredients. Previously, the firm has backed several brands, including Koia Inc. and Country Archer Provisions. Recently, Monogram invested $10 million to enhance production capabilities at Country Archer and is set to open a new facility in Vernon, in a repurposed Smithfield Foods production center.
Western Smokehouse distinguishes itself in the competitive market by providing meat snacks marketed as “Better for You,” with products that are free from food coloring and sugars. This health-focused approach aligns with consumer trends leaning towards more natural and better-quality snack options.
Conclusion
The reacquisition of Western Smokehouse is a significant step for Monogram Capital Partners and reinforces its strategic focus on the growing meat snack segment. With plans for expansion and an increasing demand for healthier snack alternatives, both Monogram and Western Smokehouse appear to be well-positioned for future success in this dynamic market.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Business Journal: Monogram Closes Its Biggest Deal
- Wall Street Journal: Monogram Makes Nearly $500 Million Bet on High-Protein Meat Snacks
- PE Professional: AUA Hands Jerky Crown Back to Monogram
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Monogram Capital Partners
- PE Hub: Monogram Capital Buys PDS Tri-State
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
