has acquired
February 2023
Managing Director, Consumer Products & Services
Ben Riback is a partner and managing director for William Blair based in the firm’s Chicago office. He joined William Blair's investment banking team in 2021 to lead its food and beverage practice. Prior to William Blair, he worked for Citigroup and BMO Capital Markets focused on food and beverage. Ben began his investment banking career in 2003 and prior to that worked as an operations consultant at Arthur Andersen. Over the course of his 20yr+ banking career, Ben has advised numerous branded, B2B and Ag companies across all forms of strategic advisory and capital raises.
Ben earned his M.B.A. from University of Michigan and holds a B.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Board member for gastro-intestinal research foundation
has acquired
February 2023
has been acquired by
December 2022
a portfolio company of Bain Capital
has acquired
October 2022
William Blair acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Dessert Holdings, a portfolio company of Bain Capital, in connection with its acquisition of Dianne’s Fine Desserts.
Read morehas acquired
October 2022
a portfolio company of
The Riverside Company
has been acquired by
August 2022
has acquired
April 2022
has received a minority investment from
December 2021
William Blair acted as lead financial advisor to We Are The Chompians, LLC in connection with its minority investment from Stride Consumer Partners LLC.
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Initial Public Offering
November 2021
a subsidiary of Continental Grain Company
has sold its Laurel, Mississippi Poultry Processing Operations to
October 2021
William Blair acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Wayne Farms, Continental Grain, and Cargill in connection with the sale of its poultry production facility located in Laurel, Mississippi.
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Initial Public Offering
October 2021
a portfolio company of NexPhase Capital
has been acquired by
September 2021
William Blair acted as financial advisor to Popcornopolis, LLC, a portfolio company of NexPhase Capital, LP, in connection with its sale to Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B. de C.V. Popcornopolis is a leading manufacturer of premium-quality, ready-to-eat popcorn.
Read morehas been acquired by
November 2018
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More about investment banking at William BlairAmid rapidly evolving consumer preferences and the proliferation of new brands and channels, our experience and relationships throughout the consumer and retail industry have allowed us to deliver outstanding outcomes for our clients. Corporate boards, management teams, and business owners turn to us for execution excellence, sector expertise, deep relationships with strategic, financial, and family buyers, and creative public and private capital market solutions.
More about our consumer and retail expertiseWilliam Blair is a premier global boutique with expertise in investment banking, investment management, and private wealth management. We provide advisory services, strategies, and solutions to meet our clients’ evolving needs. As an independent and employee-owned firm, together with our strategic partners, we operate in more than 20 offices worldwide.*
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Employees worldwide
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Independent and employee-owned
Offices worldwide
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As of September 30, 2024
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