In a deal designed to accelerate growth of the brand, Traverse City-based Great Lakes Potato Chips was recently acquired by two Chicago-based investment companies. Varnum assisted the chip maker in the sale.
LaSalle Capital partnered with Lightspring Capital to acquire the iconic brand, founded in 2009 by Ed Girrbach and his son Chris Girrbach. Great Lakes Potato Chips are produced in Michigan with almost 100% Midwestern potatoes. The product is sold to foodservice distributors, grocery stores, club stores and direct to consumers.
Varnum represented GLPCC in all legal aspects of the deal, including negotiating the purchase and sale agreement and all other legal documents. Varnum partner Jake Droppers led the M&A team with support from Ethan Beswick, Shawn Strand (tax) and John Sturgis (real estate).
“We were very pleased with our representation in the deal,” said GLPCC’s CEO Chris Girrbach. “Jake Droppers was an integral part of the team in helping get the transaction closed. The Varnum team worked seamlessly with our investment banker and we were very confident in their representation.”