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Riverside Completes Another Sweet Deal

Ã×À¼ÌåÓý, a global private investor focused on the smaller end of the middle market, has invested in Meridian Flavors Inc. (Meridian) a manufacturer of sweet flavors for bakery, cereal, beverage and other product categories. Based in Fenton, Missouri, Meridian is known for its strength in organic and natural flavors. The acquisition is an add-on to Riverside’s FlavorSum platform, which helps growing food and beverage companies go to market quickly and cost-effectively with innovative solutions for delivering great-tasting products that inspire loyalty among consumers.

“Meridian is a great addition to the FlavorSum platform,� said Riverside Managing Partner Loren Schlachet. “The company’s strength in organic and natural flavors is on-strategy with consumer demand for better-for-you products. Additionally, the acquisition furthers FlavorSum’s commitment to being a solutions-focused flavor provider with a comprehensive portfolio of flavor and application technologies.�

The acquisition of Meridian furthers FlavorSum’s objective of becoming food and beverage companies� number one choice for flavor development and production. Growth through acquisition remains a key focus for FlavorSum, and the platform will continue to leverage the expertise of Riverside’s Flavor & Specialty Ingredient Advisory Board as it pursues additional add-on acquisitions and other organic growth initiatives.

“Our commitment to providing solutions to our customers through organic growth and strategic acquisitions remains a top priority. The addition of Meridian furthers our commitment to providing our customers with a large portfolio of organic and natural flavor offerings,� said FlavorSum CEO Brian Briggs.

“The acquisition of Meridian is the latest step in our continued growth strategy for FlavorSum,� said Riverside Partner Alan Peyrat. “Since our initial investment in 2020, we have developed a strong partnership with the FlavorSum management team, actively supporting their efforts to invest in new portfolio offerings and innovative application technologies, all while delivering best-in-class customer service.�

Working with Schlachet and Peyrat on the investment for Riverside were Assistant Vice President Elizabeth Burke and Associate Erin Reger. Peyrat, Burke and Reger sourced the deal for Riverside.