JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — Shoreline Equity Partners LLC, a private equity firm, has made an undisclosed investment in Prime Meats, a meat processor and distributor, based in Duluth, Ga. Prime Meats processes beef, poultry, pork, dairy, seafood and specialty products for independent restaurants, grocery stores and butcher shops. Prime Meats mainly focuses on Hispanic and traditional markets in 15 states.

 “Prime Meats has built an exceptional reputation for providing quality protein to the Hispanic community across the Southeast US,” said Ian Garland, principal at Shoreline. “We are excited to partner with the Prime Meats team to execute on a multi-faceted growth plan which includes both organic initiatives and add-on acquisitions.”

Shoreline said the Prime Meats management team will lead the company and maintain a “meaningful ownership position” as a partner with Shoreline.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with Shoreline,” said Norberto Sanchez, founder and chairman of Prime Meats. “For over 30 years, Prime Meats has been providing the highest quality service and product to our customers, and we are committed to providing the same high-touch service and best-in-class product offering. The future is very bright for Prime Meats in our new partnership with Shoreline.”

Sanchez started the company in 1992, and it has grown to more than 250 employees who supply 4,200 customers. Prime Meats continues to grow rapidly through various organic initiatives and will also seek strategic acquisition opportunities nationwide. 

“Shoreline’s knowledge and experience in food distribution is second to none and will allow us to meaningfully expand our operations and footprint across the US,” said Daniel Arcila, chief executive officer at Prime Meats. “Shoreline shares our vision for the exciting future of Prime Meats, and we are very grateful for the opportunity to partner with their team.”