AUA Private Equity Partners

AUA Private Equity Partners is a U.S. private equity firm focused on lower middle-market companies, pursuing control and significant minority investments through leveraged and management buyouts, acquisitions, growth equity, recapitalizations, and buy-and-build strategies. It targets businesses across consumer products and services, including food and beverage, health and wellness, personal care, beauty, and retail, as well as consumer services such as wholesale grocery distribution, restaurants, and logistics, along with media and business services sectors, including outsourced services, human resources, distribution, research and consulting, and related activities. The firm favors family-owned companies and opportunities with Hispanic-market potential, and typically invests equity of roughly 20 to 75 million in enterprises valued from 25 to 200 million. Founded in 2012, it operates to support growth in U.S. companies across these sectors.

David Benyaminy

Partner

Jordana Cooper

Senior Associate

Charles DeVries

Vice President

Trip Ewig

Associate

Steven Flyer JD

Co-Founder, Partner and Investment Committee Member

Troy Hoecker

Associate

Brian Krouskos

Vice President

Nicolas Pflaum

Senior Associate

Luke Phillips

Associate

Andy Unanue

Managing Partner

18 past transactions

Tropical Cheese

Private Equity Round in 2024
Tropical Cheese is the leading producer and distributor of Latino targeted dairy products on the East Coast.

Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing

Acquisition in 2024
Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing is a manufacturer of popcorn and snacking products.

Western’s Smokehouse

Acquisition in 2023
Western’s Smokehouse specializes in turnkey manufacturing, supply chain, product development, packaging, and private labeling services.

Epi Breads

Acquisition in 2021
EPI Breads is a bakery and food delivery service based in Atlanta, specializing in the production and distribution of customized bread products. The company caters primarily to restaurants and supermarkets, offering a diverse range of items including hoagies, sub rolls, table bread, sliced loaves, buns, artisan bread, and specialty breads. By focusing on freshly baked goods, EPI Breads aims to meet the demands of its customers while ensuring high quality and variety in their offerings.

Lazurite

Debt Financing in 2021
Lazurite is a medical device company focused on wireless imaging and lighting technologies for minimally invasive surgery. It develops modular wireless camera and lighting platforms that remove wires and enhance operating room safety and efficiency. The product family includes ArthroFree, a fully wireless minimally invasive camera system for the operating room, and ORFree, a wireless mobile surgical camera platform, both enabled by the Meridiem light engine technology. These innovations aim to simplify the surgical setup, improve visualization, and enable greater maneuverability during procedures.

bistroMD

Acquisition in 2021
bistroMD is a meal delivery service that specializes in providing chef-prepared, doctor-designed gourmet meals aimed at facilitating healthy weight loss and dietary management. Catering to various nutritional needs, the company offers customized meal plans, including options for weight loss, diabetes management, and high-protein diets. Each meal is crafted to be both delicious and nutritious, allowing consumers to enjoy ready-to-eat entrees while pursuing their health goals. By emphasizing convenience and personalization, bistroMD positions itself as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to maintain a healthier lifestyle through diet.

Westminster Pet Products

Acquisition in 2020
Westminster Pet Products, Inc. is a manufacturer based in Cumberland, Rhode Island, specializing in the development and marketing of a wide range of pet products. Founded in 1913, the company supplies retailers across the United States with high-quality pet treats, chews, and an assortment of supplies. Its product offerings include bones, dental health toys, various types of pet toys, grooming tools, training pads, waste management products, and travel necessities. The company also provides collars, leashes, harnesses, and other accessories for both dogs and cats under its well-regarded RUFFIN’ IT brand. Westminster Pet Products is committed to innovation and continuously expands its selection to meet the evolving needs of pet owners and the retail market.

TruFoodMfg

Acquisition in 2019
TruFoodMfg specializes in contract manufacturing, focusing on private-label nutrition bars, protein bars, chocolate molded products, and baked goods. The company serves a diverse clientele by distributing its products through various retail channels, including club stores, grocery outlets, drug stores, convenience stores, and department stores across the globe.

Gourmet Culinary Holdings

Acquisition in 2019
Gourmet Culinary Holdings is a holding company organized to acquire interests in, and partner with, premium specialty food manufacturers in the U.S. that focus on culinary solutions for customers across the foodservice and retail sectors.

Raymundos Food Group

Debt Financing in 2018
Raymundos Food Group is a U.S.-based manufacturer and marketer of branded refrigerated snacks and desserts, offering ready-to-eat products such as gelatins, flans, puddings, cremes and other desserts. Its portfolio targets the Hispanic demographic in the United States and is distributed through mass retailers, grocery channels, and independent and local Hispanic retailers. Founded in 1997, the company focuses on delivering dessert options to retailers and consumers seeking convenient refrigerated treats. In 2016, Raymundos Food Group was acquired by AUA Private Equity Partners.

Water Lilies

Acquisition in 2017
Water Lilies Food Inc. is a manufacturer based in Astoria, New York, specializing in ready-to-eat Asian cuisine. Established in 1995, the company produces a diverse range of frozen appetizers and entrees, including egg rolls, spring rolls, potstickers, dumplings, and various noodles. Its offerings cater to both vegetarian and meat preferences, with an emphasis on healthier options such as natural, organic, and gluten-free products. Water Lilies Food primarily distributes its products through supermarkets, club and mass stores, restaurants, and ethnic markets, aiming to provide quality and convenient meal solutions for customers.

Indulge Desserts Holdings

Acquisition in 2016
Indulge Desserts Holdings, LLC is a manufacturer specializing in premium gourmet desserts, providing a diverse range of all-natural products to both foodservice and retail markets across the United States. The company's extensive portfolio features a variety of offerings, including cakes, cheesecakes, mini desserts, mousses, and international-inspired treats, showcasing flavors from Italian, Asian, and Latin cuisines. Additionally, Indulge Desserts caters to various dietary needs by including Kosher, gluten-free, and sugar-free options, ensuring a broad appeal to customers seeking high-quality dessert solutions.

Raymundos Food Group

Acquisition in 2016
Raymundos Food Group is a U.S.-based manufacturer and marketer of branded refrigerated snacks and desserts, offering ready-to-eat products such as gelatins, flans, puddings, cremes and other desserts. Its portfolio targets the Hispanic demographic in the United States and is distributed through mass retailers, grocery channels, and independent and local Hispanic retailers. Founded in 1997, the company focuses on delivering dessert options to retailers and consumers seeking convenient refrigerated treats. In 2016, Raymundos Food Group was acquired by AUA Private Equity Partners.

Tijuana Flats

Acquisition in 2015
Tijuana Flats Restaurant Group is a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in made-to-order Tex-Mex cuisine. The restaurants are designed for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience, featuring distinctive wall art and a unique hot sauce bar that offers over 50 varieties. Tijuana Flats focuses on fresh ingredients, preparing its food daily without the use of microwaves, freezers, or canned products. The menu includes a variety of items such as chips, tortillas, queso, guacamole, and salsa, all cooked using trans-fat-free oils. In addition to dine-in services, Tijuana Flats provides online ordering and catering options, allowing customers to enjoy their meals in a variety of settings, whether outdoors or at home.

VStar Entertainment Group

Acquisition in 2014
VStar Entertainment Group LLC is an event production and management company that specializes in creating live experiences for audiences both in the United States and internationally. Established in 2014 and based in Fridley, Minnesota, VStar designs and produces custom tours featuring original content as well as licensed, branded shows that cater to fans of all ages. The company provides a comprehensive range of services including production development, tour management, script development, casting, music composition, scenic and wardrobe design, and choreography. Additionally, VStar manages logistics, ticketing, venue management, marketing, and publicity for theatrical productions, interactive exhibits, and experiential events. The company serves a diverse clientele, including sports and entertainment organizations, agencies, and brands. VStar Entertainment Group operates as a subsidiary of Cirque du Soleil Inc., reflecting its commitment to high-quality entertainment production.

Blue Star Media

Acquisition in 2014
Blue Star Media, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a prominent event, media, and entertainment company that focuses on consumer expos, events, and national touring shows and exhibits. They are known for organizing various engaging and interactive experiences for audiences nationwide.

Associated Foods Holdings

Acquisition in 2014
Associated Supermarket Group, LLC (ASG) serves independently owned supermarkets in the New York Tri-State Area and other cities along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard.(ASG) provide store financing and utilize relationships with suppliers and vendors as well as our collective buying power to provide efficient procurement, distribution, marketing, merchandising, advertising, promotion and other retail solutions(ASG)supermarket banners include Associated, Compare, Met, Met Fresh, Metropolitan City Market, Pioneer and other independently named stores.

Brighter Dental Care

Private Equity Round in 2012
Brighter Dental Care is a dental service provider that caters to individuals aged six and above. The company's team consists of general dentists and specialists who focus on specific areas of dentistry. Brighter Dental Care offers a range of services including regular dental checkups and cleanings, x-rays, fillings, sealants, fluorides, orthodontics, teeth whitening, and implants.
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