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MBC Companies, a player in the frozen foods sector, has announced its acquisition of Alpha Foods, a family-owned manufacturer of frozen pizzas based in Waller, Texas.

This deal aims to enhance MBC's manufacturing capabilities, product innovation and national distribution across foodservice and retail channels.

The acquisition marks a significant expansion for MBC, which is backed by Entrepreneurial Equity Partners (e2p), a private equity firm specialising in the food and beverage industries.

Jeff Ahlers, CEO of MBC Companies, said: “The due diligence process was almost like looking in a mirror. Alpha and MBC share so much in common, from our strong family-focused culture to our commitment to quality, safety and customer service.”

Founded in 1984 by Greek immigrants George and Athena Sarandos, Alpha Foods has evolved from a regional foodservice distributor into a national producer of frozen pizzas and related products.

The company serves a diverse clientele, including K-12 schools, national grocery chains and leading consumer packaged goods brands.

MBC’s acquisition of Alpha follows its recent purchase of Nardone Brothers Baking, further solidifying its position in the frozen pizza market. This dual acquisition strategy positions MBC as a comprehensive provider of frozen meal solutions, catering to various dayparts from breakfast to late-night dining.

Currently, MBC operates three production facilities in Pennsylvania and is poised to leverage Alpha’s capabilities to meet the growing demand for frozen pizzas across different sectors.

Athena Sarandos added: “While many firms wanted to buy our company, the best path forward was to combine with a company that shares our values, understands our business and protects what our people have built. I believe that with MBC, we have found a perfect match.”

The frozen pizza market has seen robust growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for convenient meal solutions. As dining habits evolve, more consumers are seeking quick, high-quality meal options that do not compromise on taste or nutrition.

MBC's diverse product offerings are designed to meet the needs of various end markets, including K-12 schools, private label retail, convenience stores and quick-service restaurants.