AUA Private Equity Partners

AUA Private Equity Partners, LLC, established in 2012 and headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, is a private equity firm focusing on the lower middle market. It specializes in leveraged buyouts, acquisitions, and growth equity investments, targeting operationally focused companies with an enterprise value between $25 million and $200 million and EBITDA greater than $5 million. AUA primarily invests in the consumer sector, including food and beverage, health and wellness, personal care, and retail, as well as media and business services. The firm seeks to support family-owned businesses, with a particular interest in Hispanic-oriented companies, and typically invests between $20 million and $75 million of equity. AUA's investment strategy is characterized by active sponsorship and fully aligned partnerships, aiming to achieve superior, risk-adjusted returns by unlocking value and driving growth in its portfolio companies.

David Benyaminy

Partner

Jordana Cooper

Senior Associate

Charles DeVries

Vice President

Trip Ewig

Analyst

Steven Flyer

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 pre-revenue medical device startup focused on developing advanced technologies for minimally invasive surgery. The company has raised approximately $18 million from institutional investors, high-net-worth individuals, and over 50 physician champions. Lazurite's product pipeline includes the ArthroFree™ wireless camera system, which is the first fully wireless minimally invasive camera system designed for operating rooms, and ORFree™, a mobile minimally invasive surgical camera platform. Both products utilize the company’s innovative Meridiem™ light engine technology. By providing modular wireless solutions, Lazurite aims to enhance surgical safety and efficiency, offering alternatives to traditional wired systems and outdated technologies.

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 refrigerated snacks and desserts, focusing predominantly on gelatins, flans, puddings, and other ready-to-eat products. Founded in 1997, the company caters primarily to the growing Hispanic demographic in the United States, offering a diverse portfolio that includes various dessert alternatives. Raymundos Food Group distributes its products through mass retailers, conventional grocery stores, and independent local Hispanic retailers, establishing strong connections within these markets. The company was acquired by AUA Private Equity Partners in 2016, allowing it to enhance its value proposition to food retailers.

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 refrigerated snacks and desserts, focusing predominantly on gelatins, flans, puddings, and other ready-to-eat products. Founded in 1997, the company caters primarily to the growing Hispanic demographic in the United States, offering a diverse portfolio that includes various dessert alternatives. Raymundos Food Group distributes its products through mass retailers, conventional grocery stores, and independent local Hispanic retailers, establishing strong connections within these markets. The company was acquired by AUA Private Equity Partners in 2016, allowing it to enhance its value proposition to food retailers.

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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