Europastry has reached an agreement to acquire Highland Baking Co., a family-owned U.S. producer of premium breads for the foodservice channel.
Highland Baking Co. will continue to operate under its current brand and management team. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals.
Europastry, founded in 1987, operates in more than 90 countries, employs more than 5,500 people, and offers a portfolio ranging from artisan breads to high value-added frozen pastries. Highland Baking Co. is a family-owned U.S. producer of premium breads for the foodservice channel, operating two production facilities in Northbrook, Illinois, and Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Following the acquisition, the group’s annual revenue will exceed $2.3 billion globally. Europastry plans to roll out a significant investment program in the U.S. to expand production capacity, introduce new product categories and bring broader bakery innovation to American customers.
“This transaction is much more than an acquisition: it is the coming together of two companies that share values, a long-term vision and the same approach to business,” said Jordi Galles, executive chairman of Europastry.
“This is an exciting opportunity to create a broader, global bakery business, allowing Europastry and Highland Baking to both achieve their full potential. We have tremendous respect for the storied legacy that Highland Baking has built and look forward to welcoming the Highland Baking team. We are convinced that Highland is the ideal business to accelerate our growth in the U.S.”
Stuart Rosen, representative of the founding family of Highland and CEO of Highland, commented, “We have found in Europastry the perfect partner to take the next step in our development, while preserving our identity and corporate culture. This is a truly historic combination with a compelling cultural and strategic fit. The transaction creates new and exciting opportunities for our employees, customers and suppliers.”
[RELATED: 3 Forces Reshaping Dairy, Deli, Bakery; 5 Ways To Win]