Intrepid Advises Better-for-You Protein Brand Mighty Spark on Its Sale to Swander Pace Capital

The transaction will support the brand to drive further store and category expansion and deliver on new product launches while continuing the company’s give-back commitment.

Intrepid announced today that it acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Mighty Spark Food Company (dba Mighty Spark), a leading better-for-you (BFY) protein brand selling packaged meats and snack products, on its sale to Swander Pace Capital. Swander Pace Capital made the investment through its Branch Brook strategic partnership with UNFI and Jefferson Capital Partners.mightysparkfoodcompany small

Since Mighty Spark’s inception, the company has brought a disruptive element to the fresh meat category by combining high nutrition, great flavor, and value-added propositions to a line of innovative turkey and chicken patties and grinds, as well as chicken snack sticks. The mission-driven company also donates a meal for every pack of products sold , over 10 million meals to-date, earning the loyalty of its socially-driven consumers. Combining a BFY offering with social causes, Mighty Spark has become one of the fastest-growing brands in its category.

“Intrepid’s Food, Beverage & Agriculture team understood the core elements of our products, category and brand mission, and really stood out to us based on their deep relationships in the meat industry and execution expertise. It is clear that no other investment bank could have guided us through such a process and helped us achieve this exceptional outcome. We met our objectives and closed a transaction quickly even during a pandemic—we were truly impressed by the Intrepid team and the outcome they helped drive,” said Nick Beste, CEO of Mighty Spark. “Further, we are excited to partner with the Swander Pace team and its Branch Brook partners. Their deep experience in BFY food categories will help maintain and strengthen Mighty Spark’s high growth rate, commitment to product quality and safety, and innovation for years to come.”

“The Mighty Spark brand stood out to us in the fresh meat category based on its high-quality product offering, growth momentum, and, although still a young brand, significant brand loyalty. We were pleased to help Nick and the Mighty Spark brand set a path for their next stage of growth,” commented Mike Seccuro, Managing Director and Head of the Food, Beverage & Agriculture practice at Intrepid. “We were confident the Mighty Spark brand would resonate well with investors in the space and are excited to see what Mighty Spark and its new partners can achieve together in the coming years.”

Deal Team Contacts

Mike Seccuro, Managing Director

Brian Levin, Director

Patrick Khang, Associate

Media Contact

Stephanie Raven, Marketing Specialist

About Intrepid’s Food, Beverage & Agriculture Practice

Intrepid’s Food, Beverage & Agriculture team delivers results in mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising transactions through utilizing a bespoke approach that is not only informed by each client’s needs but by our background and long-standing relationships. Our team’s experience ranges from emerging disruptors to marquee strategic transactions—ensuring a deep understanding of the most important drivers in the sector.

Investment banking services offered by Intrepid Investment Bankers LLC, a subsidiary of MUFG Union Bank. Member FINRA/SIPC.