Highlander Partners, L.P., a middle-market private equity firm based in Dallas, Texas, has acquired Hilo Nutrition Inc. Headquartered in Columbus, Hilo is an emerging and innovative player in the nutrition and wellness category.
Hilo was co-founded by Andrew Sauer and Eric Torgeson, who will remain in the same leadership positions with Hilo under Highlander's ownership, with the goal of providing consumers with novel alternatives to traditional powder supplements.
Hilo has developed branded products in nutritional areas, with a particular focus on sports nutrition and performance by using confection products as a delivery system. The company collaborates with athletes, performance experts and nutritionists to deliver products that are convenient, effective and easy to take.
Highlander plans to accelerate the growth of Hilo by targeting a larger but more focused audience, continued innovation of its product offerings, strengthening its direct-to consumer business, and aggressively expanding distribution.
