NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--1440 Foods (“1440”), a leading portfolio of sports and active nutrition brands, today announced the acquisition of FITCRUNCH, a protein bar brand, from celebrity chef Robert Irvine, Union Capital Associates, L.P. and its founders. FITCRUNCH’s Chief Executive Officer Patrick Cornacchiulo will become Chief Executive Officer of 1440. Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.
FITCRUNCH was founded in 2012 by Bakery Barn, a high-quality active nutrition manufacturer, and Robert Irvine. FITCRUNCH’s growing assortment of great-tasting high-protein snacks, including bars, wafers and powders caters to fitness enthusiasts and everyday consumers looking to enhance their diets.
“FITCRUNCH has cemented its position as a leading active nutrition brand through strong performance across retail channels in a highly fragmented and growing market,” said Mr. Cornacchiulo. “We are thrilled to join the 1440 Foods platform and to bring together two talented teams with deep experience in the nutrition category, retail, branding, and manufacturing. FITCRUNCH and 1440 products enjoy industry-leading loyalty, and combining our portfolios and innovation capabilities will help reach more consumers on more occasions and in more channels. I look forward to leading the company through its next chapter of growth.”
“I couldn’t be more thrilled about this next chapter for FITCRUNCH,” said Mr. Irvine. “Since entering the market in 2013, this brand has always been about creating delicious, high-quality nutrition that people can trust, and I’m excited to continue building on that mission with our new partners. Together, we’re poised to bring FITCRUNCH to even more people who want great-tasting options that fuel their best lives.”
FITCRUNCH is a highly complementary addition to 1440 Food’s portfolio, including Pure Protein, MET-Rx, and Body Fortress, which continue to experience meaningful growth across retail channels since 4x4 Capital acquired the business in 2021.
“1440’s vision is built on four pillars: strong brands, a complete product portfolio, deep retailer relationships and efficient operations,” said Alex Medicis, 4x4 Capital co-founder and Chairman of the 1440 Foods Board of Directors. “FITCRUNCH brings additional strength in all these areas to help shape the future of ‘better for you’ snacking and meal replacement. Active nutrition is one of the fastest growing categories within grocery as more people look for flavorful and functional nutrition - whether in the gym, at home, or on the go. We look forward to working with Patrick and the team to further our mission of helping consumers in their search for a healthier lifestyle.”
“Patrick and his team have built FITCRUNCH into a distinctive, growing brand. They bring deep expertise, innovation, and retailer relationships that complement our own at 1440,” said Adam Nebesar, a Partner at Bain Capital and member of the Board of Directors. “This is a major milestone in 1440’s growth journey and strengthens the company’s position as a leading active nutrition platform.”
William Blair & Company LLC is acting as lead financial advisor to 1440, and Ropes & Gray LLP is acting as legal counsel to 1440. KPMG is acting as accounting advisor to 1440. Deutsche Bank, Jefferies, Macquarie Capital, and BNP Paribas provided committed debt financing for the transaction and financial advisory services to 1440.
Piper Sandler & Co. is acting as lead financial advisor to FITCRUNCH and Bakery Barn, with KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. as co-advisor to Bakery Barn. Finn Dixon & Herling LLP is acting as lead legal counsel to FITCRUNCH and Bakery Barn.
About 1440 Foods
1440 Foods is a sports and active nutrition company on a mission to energize people to unleash their potential with a focused portfolio of accessible, great-tasting health and wellness brands: Pure Protein nutrition bars; Body Fortress high efficacy protein powders; and MET-Rx high-performance meal replacements. 1440 Foods brands can be purchased online at Amazon, or at a wide range of grocery, pharmacy, and convenience store chains nationwide such as Wal-Mart, Target, Kroger, Meijer, Walgreens, CVS, and others. To learn more about 1440 Foods, visit www.1440Foods.com.
About FITCRUNCH
FITCRUNCH is a leading brand in the health and fitness industry, specializing in high-protein snacks that combine exceptional taste with nutritional benefits. Founded by celebrity chef Robert Irvine, FITCRUNCH is dedicated to creating delicious, protein-packed products designed to fuel active lifestyles. Best known for its signature protein bars, which feature a unique layered design and provide up to 30 grams of protein per serving, FITCRUNCH offers a variety of snacks and supplements that cater to fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and health-conscious consumers. Committed to quality and flavor, FITCRUNCH continues to innovate in the world of nutritious snacking.
