US-based flour-milling and ingredient company Ardent Mills intends to acquire all the operations of the Hinrichs Trading Company, which is engaged in chickpea sourcing, cleaning and packing activities.

based in Pullman, Washington, Hinrichs is a family-owned company with more than three decades of chickpea experience.

It currently operates across five locations in Washington and Montana.

Ardent Mills CEO Dan Dye said: “Ardent Mills and Hinrichs Trading Company share a strong commitment to our growers, customers, team members, communities, and to growth and innovation.

“There is a strong cultural alignment and shared values across both organizations. We look forward to welcoming the talented Hinrichs Trading Company team to the Ardent Mills family.”

The move is said to be in line with Ardent Mills’ strategic growth plan, which focuses on investing in the speciality ingredient capabilities while diversifying its portfolio of solutions and building on its existing wheat flour business.

The two parties are currently continuing with due diligence and expect to close the deal in April.

The firms expect the deal will help in bringing innovative products to market to meet growing consumer demand for plant-based and speciality ingredients.

Hinrichs Trading Company CEO Phil Hinrichs said: “We were looking for a partner that had the expertise to take the chickpea market to the next level and provide new opportunities for our team members and our growers.

“Ardent Mills is that partner. They bring operational and technical expertise, access to new markets, and the ability to scale quickly and sustainably. Hinrichs Trading Company complements that with our extensive chickpea sourcing knowledge and extremely close grower connections.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to partner with Ardent Mills as we share a similar values-based culture and a solid vision for growth.”