Fortifi Food Processing Solutions Completes Acquisition Of Area 52

TORONTO — The Fairing Group, a M&A advisory firm specializing in mid-market mergers and acquisitions, announces Area 52’s acquisition by Fortifi Food Processing Solutions, a KKR portfolio company.

The acquisition reportedly enables Fortifi to further expand its solution set to try and drive growth in food categories with global reach and application.

“Area 52’s innovative machine designs increase worker safety, protein quality and processing yields. As an industry partner, Area 52 provides valuable automation capabilities to a growing crustacean and seafood market at a time when labour shortages challenge traditional harvesting processes,” said Massimo Bizzi, Chief Executive Officer of Fortifi.

“We welcome this opportunity to grow within the Fortifi family and expand our global reach,” said Tim Fogarty, Founder of Area 52. “We share Fortifi’s dedication to innovative, customer-centered product design and service.”

All Area 52 employees will reportedly join Fortifi’s broad-based ownership program, which provides employees with the opportunity to participate in the benefits of equity ownership.

The Fairing Group served as exclusive financial advisor to Area 52. McInnes Cooper served as legal counsel to Area 52. EY Parthenon provided financial and tax due diligence to Fortifi. Stewart McKelvey served as legal counsel to Fortifi.