Private Equity Firm Acquires Rochester Meat Co. in Deal Led by Kingswood Capital Management

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Rochester Meat Co., a major local employer with around 240 workers, has been acquired by Kingswood Capital Management, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles.

This acquisition was officially announced on November 25, 2024, though the financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Kingswood’s purchase includes Branding Iron Holdings, the parent company of Rochester Meat, as well as several other meat production operations.

These include Huisken Meat Co. in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, and Holten Meats Inc. in Sauget, Illinois. Together, these companies produce retail and wholesale products under well-known brands like Bradshaw Ranch Thick & Juicy and Holten’s Chop House Steak Burgers.

A Legacy of Meat Processing in Rochester

Rochester Meat Co. was originally founded in 1971 in downtown Rochester, Minnesota, and has since become a key player in the region’s beef processing industry. The company operates a beef processing facility located at 1825 Seventh St. NW in Rochester.

The acquisition by Kingswood marks the latest chapter for Rochester Meat, which has been part of Branding Iron Holdings since 2007.

At that time, Branding Iron purchased the company and all its assets from JNR Holding Co., a privately held firm owned by three local entrepreneurs—Red Courtney, Jim [Last name unavailable], and another partner.

As part of Kingswood’s strategic move, the firm plans to continue investing in the company’s operations, aiming to strengthen its position in the competitive meat industry.

With a rich history in the region, Rochester Meat remains a vital part of the local economy, providing significant employment and contributing to the area’s food production industry.

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