Generational Group Advises RP Foods in its Recapitalization with Benford Capital Partners

By Generational Group

10/23/2023

Generational Group, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisor for privately held businesses, is pleased to announce the recapitalization of its client RP Foods, LLC (“RP Foods,” “RPF” or the “Company”) with Benford Capital Partners (“Benford Capital” or “BCP”). The transaction closed on October 3, 2023.

Founded in 1999, and based in Dallas, Texas, RP Foods is a leading branded, private label, and B2B Hispanic food and beverage products company selling to retail and CPG food customers across the United States and internationally. RPF’s is most well-known for their proprietary “Kuii” coconut beverage brand. The Company also has a strong market presence with its Masabrosa corn flour, Palmiers cookies, aloe-based beverages, taco shells, and other food products.

RPF was wholly owned by Guillermo Trevino, CEO, and Longinos Zuniga, Director of Sales. Post-closing, both principals remain significant owners and will continue in their respective positions.

Founded in 2004, Benford Capital Partners is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on buying and building leading lower middle market companies in partnership with founders and management. Since inception, Benford Capital has acquired over 45 companies and currently owns 17 platform companies. BCP’s industry areas of focus include industrial technology, food and consumer products, agricultural products and services, and B2B E-commerce.

BCP and RP Foods plan to invest in sales and marketing resources, operational capabilities, and product portfolio expansion to drive organic growth. In addition, BCP and management will actively pursue add-on acquisitions of other Hispanic food and beverage companies.

Regarding the new investment, BCP Managing Director Ben Riefe said, “Guillermo and Longinos have built a great company with a long-term history of success. We are excited to build upon RP Foods’ strong foundation and execute our value creation plan in partnership with the management team.”

“We are excited to partner with Benford Capital Partner in RP Foods’ next phase of growth. The Company is well positioned for continued success, and we believe it will be accelerated by BCP’s investment experience in food and beverage,” said Guillermo Trevino, CEO.

BCP Principal Brian Behm added, “RP Foods represents BCP’s 6th platform investment in the food and beverage sector, a continued area of focus for the firm. We look forward to leveraging BCP’s Operating Partners and Executive Advisors to support the RP Foods team as the Company continues to grow.”

Don Ho, Managing Director, Mergers & Acquisitions with Generational Equity, was the lead dealmaker that successfully closed the transaction. Don Ho was supported by Executive Managing Director of M&A – Central Region, Michael Goss, and Vice President, M&A, Lance Thomasson. Executive Managing Director and Group Leader Randy Kamin established the initial relationship with RPF.

“Generational Equity and I are so proud and honored to represent RP Foods in an M&A capacity. Guillermo is an experienced and brilliant leader with a very exciting vision for RP Food’s future. Guillermo, Longinos, and their team’s dedication to quality, healthy, and delicious products, as well as customer service, is what makes RP Foods stand out in the food and beverage sector,” said Mr. Ho.

He added, “We believe that with Benford Capital Partners’ knowledge, synergy, and resources, RP Foods will be able to further accelerate growth, better serve its customers, and create more opportunities for its staff and strategic relationships. Though we had a tremendous number of investors wanting to partner with RP Foods given our comprehensive M&A process, we knew Benford Capital was the right choice as they shared the same values, ethics, and culture as RP Foods.”