Deloitte Corporate Finance LLC (“DCF”) acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Ruprecht Company in its sale to Hosen Capital Ltd., a private equity group based in Beijing, China. Hosen Capital acquired Ruprecht from its New Hope Investment Fund, the major shareholder of Kilcoy Pastoral Company (“KPC”). Founded in 1860 and based in Mundelein, Illinois, Ruprecht is Chicago’s oldest operating beef processor and a leading producer of value added proteins and ready to eat meals for the retail, food service, and private label sectors.
“We are truly excited by this opportunity to join a global protein leader like Kilcoy. We now have access to a superior and consistent supply of premier quality beef and lamb products, enabling us to better serve our existing customers and expand our business with additional product offerings,” said Walter Sommers, president of Ruprecht.
“We plan to support Ruprecht with superior supply and additional investments, to solidify its competitive position, and to grow its product offering and market positions”, said Alex T. Zhang, chairman of KPC and partner of Hosen Capital.
Over the last ten years, Ruprecht has experienced rapid expansion and growth due to its investment in research and development. The company has expanded its focus toward fully-cooked meal solutions, side dishes, and other value-added items. Ruprecht serves well known independent restaurants, local and national chains, national and international distributors, and retail supermarkets. Integrating Ruprecht into the KPC group of companies is a critical step in positioning the combined group towards becoming a global leader in the distribution and processing of protein products.
“The Ruprecht management team has built a company with a reputation for premium quality and innovation. The company’s leadership has successfully transitioned the business from a historical white tablecloth steak cutter into an industry leading producer of value added protein offerings and meal solutions. With the support and leadership of the KPC and Hosen team, Ruprecht is well positioned to further penetrate its key markets and continue to strengthen its competitive position,” said Lorin DeMordaunt, managing director and consumer and retail group lead, Deloitte Corporate Finance LLC.
Ruprecht Company is a meat processor and food manufacturer serving both domestic and international customers in the food service and retail sectors. Established in 1860 and based in Mundelein, IL, Ruprecht is the oldest operating beef processor in the Chicago area. The Sommers Family purchased Ruprecht in 1961 and has grown its reputation for providing center-of-the-plate protein items to the country’s finest food service and retail establishments.
The Kilcoy Pastoral Company was established in Kilcoy, Queensland, Australia, northwest of Brisbane, in 1953. From humble beginnings supplying local butchers, Kilcoy has grown to become one of the largest beef processors in Australia, processing over 260,000 grain-fed cattle per year and exporting premium beef to over 20 countries worldwide.
New Hope Investment Fund, a private equity fund managed by Hosen Capital, focuses on Agriculture and Food industries. The fund has a global investor base, including investors from the United States, Singapore, Japan, and China. Its Chinese anchor investor, New Hope Group, is China’s largest animal feed producer and one of the largest animal protein suppliers. Hosen Capital manages two other PE funds.
Deloitte Corporate Finance LLC (DCF) provides strategic advisory services and M&A advice that help corporate, entrepreneurial and private equity clients create and act upon opportunities for liquidity, growth and long-term advantage.