MBC Grows Frozen Capabilities With Second Pizza Acquisition

PE-backed frozen food platform MBC Companies has expanded its capabilities with the acquisition of Waller, Texas-based frozen pizza producer Alpha Foods.

The family-owned business has been in operation since 1984, growing from a regional foodservice manufacturer to now serving national retail, foodservice, K-12 schools and private label customers; Alpha also offers co-manufacturing services for packaged food brands. The company operates seven of its own pizza brands and sells both frozen pizzas as well as the product’s components like dough balls and par-baked pies.

“My husband George was deeply committed to securing Alpha Foods’ legacy and the futures of those who helped us build the company over the past 41 years,” said Alpha Foods co-founder Athena Sarandos in a press release. “While many firms wanted to buy our company, the best path forward was to combine with a company that shares our values, understands our business, and protects what our people have built. I believe that with MBC, we have found a perfect match.”

MBC, a portfolio company of Chicago-based Entrepreneurial Equity Partners (e2p), is well entrenched in the frozen breakfast market and this year has turned its attention to expanding across additional cold-chain categories and day-parts; in January, the platform marked its first move beyond breakfast with the acquisition of private label and foodservice frozen pizza maker Nardone Brothers Baking Co.

Tennessee-based MBC operates three “large-scale production facilities” in Pennsylvania and previously focused on products like frozen waffles, pancakes, French toast sticks and bites, and breakfast sandwiches. MBC’s products are sold in foodservice, K-12 schools, private label retail, convenience stores, and quick-service restaurants.

“The due diligence process [with Alpha] was almost like looking in a mirror,” said Jeff Ahlers, CEO of MBC Companies, in a press release. “Alpha and MBC share so much in common, from our strong family-focused culture to our commitment to quality, safety, and customer service. Together, we will be well-positioned to deliver even greater value to our customers and create new opportunities for our employees.”