Western Smokehouse buys US meat-snacks peer Junior’s Smokehouse

Acquisition Overview - Western Smokehouse Partners has acquired Junior's Smokehouse, a US meat snacks producer, enhancing its national footprint and manufacturing capacity [1][2] - Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed [1] Company Expansion - The acquisition includes a production site in Texas, adding to existing facilities in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and Idaho [2] - Western Smokehouse plans to maintain production at the El Campo site and expand capabilities, with a second manufacturing plant expected to begin construction in Q1 of this year [2] Future Capacity and Workforce - By the end of 2026, Western Smokehouse anticipates achieving an annual meat processing capacity of approximately 160 million pounds and employing around 1,800 staff [3] - The private-label manufacturing capabilities of Junior's Smokehouse align well with Western Smokehouse's core strengths [3] Leadership Perspectives - Junior's Smokehouse CEO expressed excitement about joining Western Smokehouse, highlighting their commitment to quality and investment in people [4] - Western Smokehouse intends to invest in training and operational support for Junior's Smokehouse employees as part of the acquisition [4] Ownership Background - In July, ownership of Western Smokehouse returned to Monogram Capital Partners, which had previously acquired a majority stake from AUA Private Equity in 2023 [5] - Monogram first invested in Western Smokehouse in 2018, increasing its stake through this transaction [5]