Florida-based Hoffmann Household of Firms, a personal fairness agency, has acquired Ponchatoula-based Elmer Chocolate, one of many nation’s main seasonal chocolatiers recognized for its iconic Valentine’s Day sweet hearts and Easter egg confections.

The acquisition, introduced August 5, brings Elmer below the umbrella of the family-owned funding group, which operates greater than 120 manufacturers throughout 30 international locations. Monetary phrases of the deal weren’t disclosed.

Elmer Chocolate will proceed to function independently below the management of third-generation members of the family Rob and Michael Nelson, who will retain partial possession. Rob Nelson will stay president and CEO, whereas Michael Nelson will proceed as president and COO.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone for Elmer as we develop our attain past seasonal choices and put money into long-term innovation,” stated Rob Nelson. “We’re sustaining the standard and heritage our clients love whereas positioning the model for year-round engagement.”

Based in 1855 by New Orleans pastry chef Christopher Henry Miller, Elmer has developed right into a nationwide participant within the confectionery business. The corporate is the most important U.S. producer of small, heart-shaped chocolate bins and distributes over 40 million of its Valentine’s assortments yearly throughout North America.

Elmer’s product portfolio additionally consists of Gold Brick Eggs and Heavenly Hash Eggs—Easter staples within the Gulf South for over a century. The corporate’s 400,000-square-foot facility in Ponchatoula is likely one of the most technologically superior chocolate manufacturing crops within the nation, following a significant growth in 2016.

Geoff Hoffmann, co-CEO of the Hoffmann Household of Firms, praised Elmer’s legacy and management, calling the Nelsons “distinctive stewards of a beloved model.” He added that the acquisition aligns with the agency’s technique of backing high-quality, family-run companies with development potential.

The deal was led by Clayton Jones, EVP of Enterprise Improvement at Hoffmann, with authorized and due diligence assist from Berger Cohen & Brandt and FORVIS, respectively. Elmer was suggested by NextGen Capital Markets.

Headquartered in Florida, the Hoffmann Household of Firms operates throughout a number of sectors together with manufacturing, agriculture, actual property, hospitality, and transportation, using greater than 17,000 individuals worldwide.