MIAMI – Albertville Quality Foods Inc. (AQF), a H.I.G. Capital portfolio company, has acquired Sunrise Foods LLC, a further processor of poultry for the foodservice and restaurant industries. The company also announced that Jerry Wilson, a former executive vice president for Pilgrim's Pride, has joined AQF as chief executive officer.

AQF said the Sunrise acquisition would add more than $100 million in additional revenue to the combined company. The company added that the Sunrise acquisition significantly expands the profile and capabilities of AQF. The combined company will service provide its foodservice, restaurant and retail customers value-added customized products through three facilities and eight state-of-the art production lines, according to AQF.

“This acquisition is the culmination of efforts to establish a leading position in the protein further processing sector. We are very excited about the growth prospects of the combined company,” said Richard Stokes of H.I.G. Capital. “We have great confidence in the management team running the operations. We intend to continue to actively support the company as it builds on its well-deserved reputation for superior quality and excellent customer service.”

AQF and Sunrise Foods both have headquarters in Albertville, Ala. AQF is a further processor of poultry. The company produces breaded chicken tenders, boneless wings and other products for restaurant, foodservice and retail customers. Sunrise Foods produces many of the same chicken products made by AQF in addition to marinated chicken breasts.