Springfield-Based BUNN Acquired by Ali Group

A Springfield-based company with long ties to the community has been acquired by a global foodservice equipment manufacturer. Ali Group announced it has completed the acquisition of Bunn Commercial LP, known as BUNN and formerly called Bunn-O-Matic Corporation. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

With the acquisition complete, BUNN will join Ali Group’s global portfolio of foodservice equipment companies. In North America, the company will operate as part of the Welbilt portfolio.

“The acquisition of BUNN marks an important step in strengthening Ali Group’s leadership in the global coffee and beverage equipment sector and advancing our long term growth strategy,” said Filippo Berti, chairman and chief executive officer of Ali Group. “BUNN brings a strong heritage, a culture of innovation and a highly complementary portfolio that expands our global capabilities. Together, we are well positioned to deliver even greater value to our customers and accelerate growth across key markets.”

Several firms advised on the transaction. Bailey & Company served as financial advisor to Ali Group, while Alston & Bird LLP acted as legal advisor. PwC provided financial due diligence services. William Blair & Company served as the exclusive financial advisor to BUNN, with ArentFox Schiff LLP acting as legal advisor. Grant Thornton handled financial due diligence for BUNN, and Forvis Mazars assisted the company on tax matters.

Ali Group, founded in 1963, is headquartered in Chicago with a European corporate office in Milan, Italy. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services commercial and institutional foodservice equipment used by restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools, airports and other institutions. The company operates more than 115 brands, employs approximately 17,000 people in over 30 countries and runs 80 manufacturing facilities in 16 countries.

BUNN, headquartered in Springfield, is a global manufacturer of dispensed beverage equipment. The company was founded in 1840 and built on more than five generations of family entrepreneurship. Its beverage equipment business began in 1957 and the company was incorporated in 1963.

Today, BUNN produces a range of home and commercial beverage equipment including coffee and iced tea brewers, superautomatic espresso machines, grinding systems, beverage dispensers, water systems and related accessories. The company operates additional facilities across the United States and maintains warehouses or offices in Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China and the United Kingdom.