FlavorSum Builds a Winning Formula for Growth with Warburg Pincus

KALAMAZOO, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FlavorSum, a North American pure-play flavor solutions provider, today announced its acquisition by Warburg Pincus, a global private equity firm specializing in growth investments, from its prior owner, The Riverside Company.

The acquisition marks a significant milestone for FlavorSum and signals a new chapter in the company's growth and development. Under Riverside’s ownership, FlavorSum expanded market reach, deepened its flavor portfolio, and assembled exceptional technical talent to accelerate innovation for high-growth, mid-sized, and emerging food and beverage brands.

"We recognize the solid foundation and success we have built with the support of The Riverside Company,” said FlavorSum CEO Brian Briggs. “During the past five years the FlavorSum team fully integrated four complementary acquisitions and added 35,000 square feet to our Michigan manufacturing facility. Our team is driving industry-leading growth with a solutions model that delivers operational excellence and an outstanding customer experience. We look forward to partnering with Warburg Pincus and expanding our pure-play flavor platform—both organically and as the 'Acquirer of Choice' for flavor companies committed to serving fast-growing, disruptive brands.”

“FlavorSum’s integrated business model strategically positions the company to meet the expanding interest in natural solutions across food and beverage categories,” said Zach Lazar, Managing Director at Warburg Pincus. “The company’s customer-driven approach unites responsive service with unparalleled flavor and application expertise. Through this partnership, we aim to advance FlavorSum’s standout growth and acquisition strategy.”

The transaction will close later in the third quarter, pending customary regulatory approvals. FlavorSum engaged financial advisers Houlihan Lokey and law firm Jones Day to complete the agreement.

FlavorSum will continue to operate independently, with the existing leadership team shaping strategy and day-to-day operations.

About FlavorSum

FlavorSum helps growing North American food and beverage companies go to market quickly and cost-effectively. The company provides flavor solutions for delivering great-tasting products that inspire loyalty among today’s consumers. With nearly 100k square feet of manufacturing space across North America, along with a dedicated innovation center, FlavorSum is the fastest growing North American flavor company.

About Warburg Pincus

Warburg Pincus LLC is the pioneer of private equity global growth investing. A private partnership since 1966, the firm has the flexibility and experience to focus on helping investors and management teams achieve enduring success across market cycles. Today, the firm has more than $87 billion in assets under management, and more than 220 companies in its active portfolio, diversified across stages, sectors, and geographies. Warburg Pincus has invested in more than 1,000 companies across its private equity, real estate, and capital solutions strategies.

The firm is headquartered in New York with offices in Amsterdam, Beijing, Berlin, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Luxembourg, Mumbai, Mauritius, San Francisco, São Paulo, Shanghai, and Singapore.

About The Riverside Company

The Riverside Company is a global investment firm focused on being one of the leading private capital and credit options for business owners and portfolio company employees at the smaller end of the middle market by seeking to fuel transformative growth and create lasting value. Since its founding in 1988, Riverside has made more than 1,000 investments. The firm’s current international private equity and flexible capital portfolios include more than 140 companies.