Ridgewood, NJ – DAK Group, a leading investment bank specializing in middle-market mergers and acquisitions, announced the sale of its client, Jimmy’s Gourmet Bakery, a New Jersey-based commercial bakery and leader in the thaw-and-sell baked goods category, to Rise Baking Company, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, one of the baking industry’s most active acquirers of established bakery brands.
DAK Group served as Jimmy’s exclusive financial advisor, managing the entire transaction process. The sale marks the culmination of a long-standing relationship during which DAK advised the company on multiple strategic initiatives, including the acquisition of Ecce Panis from Campbells Soup Company in 2021. Together, those initiatives helped position Jimmy’s for continued expansion and ultimately maximize shareholder value.
“For years, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside the Jimmy’s team as they transformed a great regional bakery into one of the industry’s leading platforms,” said Alan Scharfstein, Founder and CEO of DAK Group. “This transaction is about far more than a successful sale. It’s the result of decades of hard work, disciplined execution and strategic growth by the exceptional ownership team. We’re proud to have helped secure a partner that recognizes the strength of what they’ve built and will support the company’s next chapter.”
Scharfstein led the transaction along with Ari Fuchs, Managing Director, Greg Leshik, Director, Jesse Del Buono, Senior Associate and Matthew Wisneski, Associate.
Jimmy’s was founded more than 40 years ago and is headquartered in Clifton, New Jersey, with facilities in East Brunswick, Carteret and Moonachie totaling more than 400,000 square feet. The company’s portfolio includes Jimmy’s Cookies, King Krumb Cookies, and Ecce Panis artisan breads.
The company will continue to operate independently under the leadership of CEO Howard Hirsch and President Michael Pisani while working through a thoughtful transition plan which ensures continuity for employees, customers, and business partners.
“Jimmy’s success has been built on quality, craftsmanship and the people behind our business,” said Howard Hirsch, CEO of Jimmy’s Gourmet Bakery. “This acquisition allows us to build on that legacy while creating new opportunities for our employees, partners and customers.”
President Michael Pisani added: “Our focus remains the same: delivering exceptional products and outstanding service to our customers. With Rise, we’ll have even greater resources to innovate, grow and continue meeting our customers’ evolving needs.”
About The DAK Group
www.dakgroup.com
DAK Group is an award-winning international investment bank dedicated to entrepreneurs, founders, and family-owned middle-market businesses. Since 1984, DAK has advised business owners through mergers and acquisitions, business sales, strategic advisory, valuations, and leadership consulting, helping them maximize value and achieve successful outcomes. With more than 800 completed transactions across North America and around the world, DAK combines deep M&A expertise, industry specialization, global buyer relationships, and a highly personalized approach. DAK serves clients across business services, consumer products, healthcare, industrials, manufacturing and distribution, technology, media and telecommunications, integrated systems, professional audiovisual (ProAV), and live experiences. Whether preparing a company for sale years in advance or managing a complex transaction, DAK helps owners unlock value, navigate complexity, and achieve the best possible outcome for their next chapter.
About Jimmy’s Gourmet Bakery
www.jimmysbakery.com
Founded more than 40 years ago and headquartered in Clifton, New Jersey, Jimmy’s Gourmet Bakery is one of North America’s leading wholesale bakery manufacturers and a pioneer in the thaw-and-sell baked goods category. The company produces premium cookies, frozen cookie dough, artisan breads, and private-label bakery products for leading retailers, in-store bakeries, and foodservice operators nationwide. With more than 400,000 square feet of manufacturing and distribution capacity across four New Jersey facilities, Jimmy’s combines bakery craftsmanship with large-scale production to deliver innovative, high-quality products at scale.
About Rise Baking Company
www.risebakingcompany.com
Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Rise Baking Company is a leading North American bakery manufacturer with a portfolio of trusted brands serving retail, foodservice, and in-store bakery customers. Through a disciplined acquisition strategy, Rise has assembled a family of respected bakery brands, including Brill, South Coast Baking, Table Talk, Best Maid, Henry & Henry, and Bakestone Brothers. The addition of Jimmy’s Gourmet Bakery further expands Rise’s portfolio of high-quality baked goods and strengthens its position as one of North America’s premier bakery companies.
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