PALO ALTO, Calif. – Private investment firm Altamont Capital Partners has acquired Richard's Cajun Foods and Blue Ribbon from Atlantic Premium Brands, Ltd.
 
Lafayette, La.-based Richard's is a leading manufacturer of smoked sausages, ready-to-eat meals and traditional Cajun products sold in Louisiana. Blue Ribbon is a Southeast Texas-based brand of bacon and sausage. Under Altamont Capital's ownership, the two companies will form Tall Tree Foods Holdings Inc., a new holding company.

"Richard's and Blue Ribbon have incredibly deep roots and a long history in the markets they serve," said Steve Brownlie, principal at Altamont. "We are excited to build on the successful history and support the management team in capturing the numerous growth opportunities ahead. We are thrilled to begin our partnership with Tim as CEO, and look forward to building the Tall Tree Foods platform leveraging his experience and expertise."

Altamont tapped Tim Bruer to lead the new company. Before joining Tall Tree Foods, he was CEO for several specialty food companies, including Nonni's Food Co. He also worked for Nestle's Culinary Products Division as a vice president/general manager.

Altamont Capital Partners is a San Francisco Bay Area-based private-investment firm with approximately $500 million of capital under management. Atlantic Premium Brands is a food holding company specializing in acquiring, growing and divesting specialty meat, food and beverage businesses. It principally is owned by a group of private investors.