• Panos Foods is a leading SQF-certified broadline foodservice distributor focused on providing high quality foods and reliable service to restaurants and the foodservice industry throughout Chicagoland and the surrounding Midwest region of the U.S.

• The acquisition positions Panos Foods for further growth within its core markets and product offerings

• Successful transaction highlights Mesirow’s expertise in the food distribution sector

CHICAGO, January 13, 2022 – Mesirow, an independent, employee-owned financial services firm, today announced it acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Christ Panos Foods Corporation (“Panos Foods” or the “Company”) on its acquisition of the foodservice distribution business (the “GDK Business”) of World Food Holdings (combined operations of Grecian Delight Foods and Kronos Foods Corporation), a portfolio company of Entrepreneurial Equity Partners, and leading provider of authentic Mediterranean protein, bakery, and sauce products.  

Founded in 1975, Panos Foods is a leading SQF-certified specialty foodservice distributor focused on providing high quality foods and reliable service to casual dining, fast casual and QSR operators throughout the central U.S. and nationally. In 2009, the Company joined the UniPro Foodservice cooperative, strengthening its purchasing opportunities and establishing itself as a major player within the industry while maintaining its deep, family-rooted customer relationships and culture. The acquisition of the GDK Business positions Panos Foods for significant growth and will offer cross-selling opportunities and access to adjacent and high growth product categories.

Sam Panos, President and CEO of Panos Foods, said, “The deep industry knowledge and expert guidance provided by Mesirow during this process proved instrumental in executing this successful outcome for the Company.”

“We were honored to advise Panos Foods throughout this important process,” said Paul Mariani, Managing Director of Mesirow Investment Banking. “The Company has established itself as a crucial player within the Midwest foodservice distribution market and we believe the strategic significance of the GDK Business will further enhance Panos Foods’ leadership position in the Midwest and more broadly throughout the U.S.”

The acquisition by Panos Foods represents another successful assignment completed by Mesirow Investment Banking and highlights the firm’s expertise within the food, beverage and agribusiness industry. Committed to leveraging extensive sector-specific expertise across industry groups and nurturing deep longstanding relationships, Mesirow has a proven track record of completing highly tailored, complex and successful transactions on behalf of its clients.

About Mesirow
Mesirow is an independent, employee-owned financial services firm founded in 1937. Headquartered in Chicago, with offices around the world, we serve clients through a personal, custom approach to reaching financial goals and acting as a force for social good. With capabilities spanning Global Investment Management, Capital Markets & Investment Banking, and Advisory Services, we invest in what matters: our clients, our communities, and our culture. To learn more, visit mesirow.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Mesirow was recently named one of the Best Places to Work in Chicago by Crain’s Chicago Business and one of the Top 100 RIA firms by Barron’s.

About Christ Panos Foods Corporation
Christ Panos Foods Corporation was founded by Christ Panos in 1975. The Company is family-owned and operated, and has grown into a major independent broadline foodservice distributor, led by the second generation of the Panos family. The leadership team has successfully grown the business by consistently delivering high quality exclusive and national brands to local dining establishments, and regional and national chains. The Company’s mission is to provide unparalleled customer service, quality products, and exceptional food safety standards. Please visit panosfoods.com to learn more.

Nothing contained herein constitutes an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy an interest in any Mesirow investment vehicle(s). Mesirow Financial, Inc. is not affiliated with Christ Panos Foods Corporation, World Food Holdings, Entrepreneurial Equity Partners,­­ or their affiliates. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Mesirow refers to Mesirow Financial Holdings, Inc., and its divisions, subsidiaries, and affiliates. Securities offered through Mesirow Financial, Inc. member FINRA, SIPC.