659c2f7b584711001eb517e9 Shutterstock 2239946767

Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing Acquired by AUA Private Equity Partners

Jan. 8, 2024

Fourth-generation family-owned popcorn and snack processor looks to grow with the capital and resource backing of the firm moving forward.

Andy Hanacek

Popcorn and snack manufacturer Weaver Holdings LLC (also known as Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing) has been acquired by private-equity firm AUA Private Equity Partners LLC, according to an announcement from the firm. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Weaver, a fourth-generation family-owned business founded in 1928, is said to be the largest independent manufacturer of popcorn products in the U.S., operates out of its headquarters in Van Buren, Ind., and administrative offices in Indianapolis. The company is recognized for its scale, quality and innovation, serving retail and branded customers.

AUA expects to contribute to the partnership its experience in professionalizing and improving family-owned businesses to expand on what the Weaver family has already built in the company. It will “proactively focus on operational upside by supporting the team with capital and resources” and “continue building upon the company’s ongoing success,” said Andy Unanue, managing partner of AUA Private Equity.

About the Author

Andy Hanacek | Senior Editor

Andy Hanacek has covered meat, poultry, bakery and snack foods as a B2B editor for nearly 20 years, and has toured hundreds of processing plants and food companies, sharing stories of innovation and technological advancement throughout the food supply chain. In 2018, he won a Folio:Eddie Award for his unique "From the Editor's Desk" video blogs, and he has brought home additional awards from Folio and ASBPE over the years. In addition, Hanacek led the Meat Industry Hall of Fame for several years and was vice president of communications for We R Food Safety, a food safety software and consulting company.