"Jarden’s expertise in the New Zealand capital markets, our ability to bring genuine insights to the transaction, and our strong domestic relationships enabled us to add real value to an offshore investor." – Sam Ricketts, Managing Director, Head of Investment Banking

When iconic Kiwi brand Hellers announced a review of its capital and ownership structure in early 2018, Jarden’s investment banking team was already hard at work.

It was well known across the market that the company, a popular producer of sausages, ham and bacon, could be coming up for sale. ‘Long before the sale got underway, we were thinking about logical buyers for the Hellers business,’ says Sam Ricketts, Managing Director, Head of Investment Banking.

By the time the sales process was formally launched in April 2018, we were well ahead of the curve and were able to position Adamantem as the most certain buyer,’ says Sam. ‘Jarden’s strong domestic relationships and insights were instrumental in enabling us to push hard for – and achieve – exclusivity, bringing confidence to all parties.’

In September 2018, Adamantem and Jarden’s Principal Investments successfully acquired a majority stake in the well-known Kiwi company, through a competitive auction process. The deal was subsequently approved by the Overseas Investment Office and Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board.

‘The Hellers acquisition demonstrates that Principal Investments can deliver real value for clients alongside Jarden’s investment advice,’ says Michael Walmsley, Director, Principal Investments ‘To invest in a great Kiwi brand like Hellers alongside a respected professional investor such as Adamantem is a fantastic outcome and a testament to our growing capabilities here at Jarden.’

Jarden will continue to be involved in supporting the Hellers business, alongside company founder, Todd Heller.