• Hammond’s Candies is a privately-owned manufacturer and marketer of high quality, nostalgic and artisanal sweets and snacks

• Founded in 1920 and based in Denver, Colorado, Hammond’s Candies has built a reputation rooted in tradition for its handmade colorful canes, pops and twists, uniquely flavored chocolate bars, flat taffy, and seasonal and novelty sweets

CHICAGO, November 13, 2024 – Mesirow, an independent, employee-owned financial services firm, today announced it acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Hammond’s Candies (“Hammond’s” or the “Company”), on its sale to Lolli & Pops, a portfolio company of TerraMar Capital ("TerraMar").

Founded in 1920 in Denver, Colorado, Hammond’s develops, manufactures and markets specialty candies and snacks. As one of the preeminent U.S. manufacturers and marketers of handmade candy, the Company offers a diverse portfolio of products under three national brands: Hammond’s, Old Dominion and McCraw’s. Products are sold through the specialty retail, grocery, convenience, home improvement, hospitality, gifting and e-commerce channels. 

“We have had the fortune of developing a world-class portfolio of timeless and innovative snacking and confections products that has resulted in shared traditions passed down through generations, sweet memories and delightful candies for our loyal consumers. Growing Hammond’s for the past 17 years, has been a labor of love,” said Andrew Schuman, President and Co-owner of Hammond’s. “I am grateful for Mesirow’s trusted advice and depth of experience within the snacking and confections sector.”

“This transaction underscores the continued strong institutional and strategic interest in the resilient snacking and confections sector. Hammond’s represents another high-quality asset known for its differentiated products and authentic brands that appeal broadly to consumers,” said Paul Mariani, Managing Director and Head of Food, Beverage & Agribusiness Investment Banking at Mesirow. “It was a privilege to advise Hammond’s on this highly strategic transaction and we look forward to the Company’s continued growth and success in partnership with Lolli & Pops.”

The sale of Hammond’s represents another successful transaction completed by Mesirow Investment Banking, highlighting the firm’s expertise within the food, beverage and agribusiness industry as well as Mesirow’s continued depth within snacking and confections. Other notable Mesirow transactions in the sector include the sale of Pearson’s to Promise Confections and the sale of Piedmont Candy to Sequel Holdings and Embassy Park Investment Company.

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.