Bedminster, NJ— According to a press release from Swander Pace Capital, the private equity firm has sold Kicking Horse Coffee, Ltd., the #1 organic and fair trade coffee roaster in Canada to Luigi Lavazza S.p.A. in a transaction valued at C$215 million. In 2012, the firm partnered with Kicking Horse’s co-founder Elana Rosenfeld and invested in the company through its Branch Brook Holdings partnership with Jefferson Capital Partners and United Natural Foods, Inc. Kicking Horse celebrated 20 years in 2016, but in the last five years has benefited greatly from material investments in its business, achieving industry-leading growth across North America.

“Swander Pace and the rest of the Branch Brook team were the perfect partners for me when I sought help and wanted to grow my business beyond Western Canada. I was not willing to sacrifice our values, culture, and uncompromising product quality standards,” said Elana Rosenfeld, co-founder and CEO of Kicking Horse Coffee in a press release. “The expertise they brought to the table was real, introduced in a respectful way, and truly helped us grow. They also repeatedly demonstrated their integrity and approach to partnership.”

“It has been an absolute privilege to work with Elana, the team, and this incredible brand as we expanded its footprint in stores across North America. The brand’s success and growth momentum in North America speaks for itself,” remarked Rob DesMarais, managing director at Swander Pace Capital in a press release. “We are now excited to watch the company thrive as it enters this new chapter with Lavazza.”