PRESS RELEASE
Westbrook Maine, April 4, 2018 —Native Maine Operations Inc., d/b/a Native Maine Produce and Specialty Foods Operations (“Native Maine”), a portfolio company of SJ Partners LLC and RLJ Equity Partners LLC has acquired the wholesale operations of Golden Harvest, Inc. (“Golden Harvest”) of Kittery, Maine.
Jim and Carla Spencer, owners of Golden Harvest decided to sell their wholesale division to Native Maine to allow them to focus on managing and growing their thriving retail business in Kittery Maine. “Our wholesale business has grown substantially over the years, and we now deliver to hundreds of accounts all over the seacoast. Our wholesale division has taken on a life of its own and will benefit from the full-time attention and even deeper product selection Native Maine can provide,” stated the Spencers.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jim and Carla’s wholesale customers to Native Maine. Golden Harvest has built a very loyal following by providing outstanding customer service along with quality fresh product. The passion that built the Golden Harvest business aligns perfectly with Native Maine’s strengths of service and quality,” stated SJ Partners CEO Scott Johnson.
“Native Maine is a leader in its sector and we are pleased to add the wholesale operations of Golden Harvest to Native Maine’s customer portfolio and support Native Maine’s future growth,” stated RLJ Equity Partners Partner and Chairman of Native Maine, Jerry L. Johnson.
About Native Maine Produce & Specialty Foods
As one of New England’s leading foodservice distributors and Maine’s largest fresh foodservice distributor, Native Maine provides its foodservice clients fresh, high quality produce and leading specialty and protein products. With 3,000+ quality items in stock, 1,500+ New England customers have access to an impressive selection of local, regional & hard to find specialty foods and produce. NM supports New England’s vibrant and diverse food system by providing locally grown fresh produce alongside some of the world’s best specialty foods sourced from around the globe. In addition, NM offers a growing line of 450+ privately labeled, Native Maine branded products to help its customers control their food costs without compromising quality. For more information, visit www.nativeme.com.
About Golden Harvest, Inc.
Owned by Jim and Carla Spencer, Golden Harvest is one of Southern Maine’s leading retail produce markets. Located in Kittery, Golden Harvest offers a broad selection of produce to its loyal consumers. Golden Harvest has sold its Wholesale division to Native Maine.
About RLJ Equity Partners LLC
RLJ Equity Partners is a middle-market private equity firm focused on generating long-term capital appreciation by investing in profitable and growing businesses led by strong management teams. Founded in 2006 by Robert L. Johnson in partnership with The Carlyle Group, RLJ originates structures and invests in traditional buy-outs, recapitalizations, and growth capital infusions. RLJ Equity Partners is a portfolio company of The RLJ Companies. For more information, visit www.rljequitypartners.com.
About SJ Partners LLC
SJ Partners is a leading lower middle market private equity firm that, for over fifteen years, has focused on the acquisition of consumer and services companies. It works closely with portfolio company management and maintains a group of highly qualified operating partners. It has won numerous awards including being named ACG NY Champions Firm of the Year. For more information, visit www.sjpartners.com.
Source: Native Maine
Contact: Scott Johnson, SJ Partners LLC, Chief Executive Officer, (212) 767-9571, scott@sjpartners.com or T. Otey Smith, RLJ Equity Partners, LLC, Principal, (240) 744-7893, tsmith@rljequity.com