December 22, 2022 – Chicago, IL – LaSalle Capital (“LaSalle”) is pleased to announce
that, in partnership with Lightspring Capital I, LP (“Lightspring”), it has completed the
acquisition of Great Lakes Potato Chips (“Great Lakes” or the “Company”). Great Lakes
Potato Chips, headquartered in Traverse City, MI, is a leading manufacturer of highquality, kettle cooked potato chips, with unique flavors and unmatched texture. The
Company serves a diverse set of customers, including leading foodservice distributors,
grocery stores, and club stores while also selling direct to consumers from its website.
Great Lakes Potato Chips was founded in 2009 by Ed and Chris Girrbach, and Chris will
stay on as CEO of the Company going forward. Chris stated, “We were very fortunate to
have significant interest in our business from potential investors, and we couldn’t be
happier to have chosen LaSalle and Lightspring as our partners. Their relevant
experience in the food sector and Midwestern roots made them the logical choice as we
enter the next chapter of growth for our company.”
David Murav, Partner at LaSalle Capital, commented, “We could not be more excited to
be partnering with Chris and the entire Great Lakes team. They have developed a great
tasting product and incredible brand, and we look forward to accelerating growth to new
states and accounts so that more consumers have access to these fantastic chips.”
Andrew Dzwonchyk, Partner at LaSalle Capital, added, “Ed and Chris built a preeminent
reputation around manufacturing the highest quality kettle cooked chips with bold flavor
profiles. We are delighted to assist the Company in achieving its next level of growth.”
If you have any questions regarding this transaction or would like to discuss opportunities
in the food & beverage industry, please contact David Murav, Andrew Dzwonchyk or Jeff
Walters of LaSalle Capital at (312) 236-7041
Greenwich Capital Group LLC represented Great Lakes Potato Chips and acted as the
company’s exclusive financial advisor for the transaction.
LaSalle Capital is a leading private equity firm with domain expertise and investment
focus in the lower middle market food and beverage ecosystem, managing over $500
million in capital across several investment funds. LaSalle has a proven track record of
partnering with management teams to increase value in our companies by providing a
strategic operating focus and driving growth organically and through acquisitions.
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