GE Capital, Corporate Finance announced it is serving as lead arranger on a $180 million senior secured credit facility for Arbor Investments, a Chicago, IL-based food and beverage private investment firm. The financing will be used to acquire a majority equity stake in DPI Specialty Foods, Inc., one of the largest specialty food distributors in the U.S. GE Capital Markets served as sole lead arranger and bookrunner on the transaction.

Ontario, Calif.-based DPI Specialty Foods sells gourmet, ethnic, organic and better-for-you foods to national, regional and independent retailers, with eight distribution centers across the U.S. “GE Capital and Arbor Investments have a long-standing relationship that has provided many opportunities for food and beverage companies,” said Paul Baisley, managing director for GE Capital, Corporate Finance’s food and beverage group.

“GE’s understanding of the food industry and ability to execute quickly were key in completing this transaction,” said Alan Weed of Arbor Investments. “This expertise enabled them to provide us with the financing we needed to effectively acquire DPI.”

“We look forward to continued growth and expansion into the specialty food and beverage segments working closely with DPI,” said Chris Nay, senior managing director for GE Capital, Corporate Finance’s food and beverage group. “We specialize in helping food and beverage clients to support their business objectives and continue their development.”

GE Capital, Corporate Finance provides asset-based, cash flow and structured loans and leases to mid-size and large U.S. businesses. Financing supports working capital, growth, acquisitions, turnarounds and balance sheet optimization in key sectors: Aerospace; automotive and transportation; chemicals and plastics; construction and building products, corporate aircraft; oil and gas; food and beverage; manufacturing; marine; metals and mining; paper, packaging and forest products; retail; and technology and electronics.