Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition, LLC, a leading provider of custom nutrition products in pet, livestock and aquaculture markets, has been acquired by an affiliate of Balmoral Funds, LLC.
Moving forward, Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition will be known as Rangen, a brand that many customers are already familiar with. Rangen’s head office is in Buhl, Idaho.
Rangen has two plants in Alberta; one in Cremona which handles forage for feed, and a plant in Lethbridge that processes all forages, all grains and seed commodities.
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The transaction will cover the full nutrition business, including the Rangen, Ametza, Emmert, Oxy-Gon, Oxy-Gold and Oxy-Block product lines.
Rangen is a critical supplier of animal nutrition products and services for pet, aquaculture and livestock.
Rangen, the company, will now be its own independent platform, with a history of serving large and small customers alike.
Mark Essig, a leader with expertise across various industries, will serve as chief executive officer as Rangen. Essig has more than 30 years of senior leadership experience across multiple industries, including manufacturing, distribution and specialty materials. He has served as chief executive officer and as a board member for both public and private companies.
“Together with Balmoral’s support, we will accelerate innovation and growth across the pet, aquaculture and livestock markets,” he said.
Rangen has demonstrated success as a leading producer of value-added nutrition products, said Richard Levernier, board member of Rangen and Principal of Balmoral Funds.
He said the company would be further partnering with customers, suppliers, employees and all stakeholders to achieve mutually shared goals.
Balmoral’s strategic investment will enhance Rangen’s leadership and innovation across the animal nutrition industry. A strong emphasis will be placed on employee empowerment, operational excellence and customer and supplier relations.
Blank Rome LLP acted as legal counsel to Balmoral. Wilbur-Ellis was advised by Lazard as financial advisor, and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP as legal counsel.
Wilbur-Ellis (now Rangen) was founded in 1921. Over the years, the Wilbur-Ellis companies have continued to grow the business with sales of over $3.5 million.
