US-based private equity firm Highlander Partners has acquired a majority stake in Romanian food brand SanoVita for an undisclosed sum.

SanoVita has its headquarters in Râmnicu Vâlcea, Romania. It offers a wide range of products, including snacks, cereals, rice cakes, tofu, mueslis, nuts and seed mixes.

Highlander Partners managing director Raluca Nita said: “We are very excited that SanoVita marks our second investment in Romania in less than one year.

“We believe the company has significant growth opportunities, which will be driven by increased consumer awareness and product innovation.

“This acquisition underscores Highlander’s desire to invest in high-quality branded companies, in particular, Highlander has a significant track record in the food industry, which we are delighted to be applying to SanoVita.”

The SanoVita founders will be working with Highlander to support the development of the business.

Highlander intends to fast-track the growth of SanoVita by launching new products. It will also improve the capabilities of SanoVita’s production facilities.

SanoVita founders Cornel Soare, Ion Dan and Dumitru Dan said: “We are thrilled to be working with Highlander, which has repeatedly demonstrated its focus on building long-term value for its portfolio companies.

“We count on Highlander to prepare SanoVita for the next stage of growth while maintaining the same values embedded in SanoVita’s culture.

“With enhanced operational and strategic support, we will continue to expand our market position and heighten SanoVita’s brand, which already has considerable consumer awareness in the Romanian market.”

In August, Highlander Partners acquired pork rinds producer Evans Food Group from Wind Point Partners through its newly formed food platform Benestar Brands.