York County-based Utz Quality Foods Inc. has finalized its acquisition of Reading-based Bachman Co., the 125-year-old maker of pretzels and other snack foods.
The deal closed Friday with Utz buying the intellectual property rights, distribution and Ephrata manufacturing facility of Bachman, said Dylan Lissette, Utz president and chief operating officer.
The companies told their employees, suppliers and customers about the deal in August and last week Lissette said the acquisition would be a great fit for Utz.
“With over 1,000 salespeople, and strong distributor relationships on the East Coast, we believe that Utz can really make an impact on increasing the depth, market share, and service levels for the Bachman brands,” Lissette said in a statement. “Bachman’s brands have a deep, long-standing loyal customer base and Utz Quality Foods, Inc. will be able to bring these brands to more consumers on our larger distribution platform.”
The companies have not disclosed the sale price for the deal. As part of the acquisition, Bachman’s former management will retain the Reading factory and continue making private-label snack food products for Utz and other customers.
Hanover-based Utz has been in the snack food business for more than 90 years and more recently has made key acquisitions to expand its product offerings and manufacturing capabilities. Last year, it acquired Louisiana-based Zappe Endeavors and Massachusetts-based The Wachusett Potato Chip Co. Inc.
