Two Detroit snack company powerhouses have announced that they have completed a merger that brings the Kar's Nuts and Sanders brands into the same company.
KNPC Holdco, LLC, and Morley Candy Makers, LLC announced the had completed their merger today. The company says the merger will provide the Sanders brand with expanded national distribution opportunities while providing Kar's Nuts with production and product innovation capabilities.
Sanders CEO Brian Jefferson said in a news released, “As we explored strategic opportunities for Sanders®, it was critical to identify a partner who truly understood and valued our brand and our employees. We are extremely excited about this merger as we feel confident that it will preserve cherished Sanders products, bring a new level of creativity to our offerings that is sure to delight customers, and continue to take care of our employees.”
Officials say Sanders will remain a separate division within the combined company and that both companies workforces will remain in place.
“Sanders is a successful company with a legacy of customer loyalty and quality products. As we consistently evaluate growth opportunities, this merger is ideal for Kar’s Nuts as we expand our reach in the snacking industry,” commented Kar’s Nuts President Nick Nicolay in a news release. “We look forward to the Sanders family joining the Kar’s Nuts family and continuing to offer products that consumers across the country appreciate and enjoy.”
The combined company will be headquartered in Madison Heights. Nicolay will serve as CEO of the company. Jefferson will remain with the company through the transition and will retire once the companies are integrated.
Kar's Nuts was founded in Detroit in 1933 by Sue Kar, who would sell peanuts she roasted in her home near Navin Field - which became Tiger Stadium.
Sanders was founded as a candy shop by Fred Sanders Schmidt in 1875.
