ITW/FEG Acquires Chinese Brand

One of the country’s largest foodservice equipment manufacturers has acquired one of its counterparts in China, providing it access to the world’s largest consumer market.

Illinois Tool Works announced July 3 that it has purchased Gold Pattern Holdings, the owner of Vesta Catering Co., which sells Western-style cooking equipment under the brand name, Justa. Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.

“This acquisition gives us entry to the fast-growing Chinese Western cooking industry,” ITW Exec. V.P. Chris O’Herlihy said in a statement, “with a differentiated product offering, attractive end-market presence, and a well-established national distribution sales and service network.”

The Justa cooking/warming equipment product line includes fryers, griddles, convection ovens, modular cooking equipment, and combi ovens. Key customers include four and five star hotels and chain restaurants. The company is headquartered in Guangzhou, China, and operates two manufacturing facilities there, employing approximately 900 people in total.

ITW/Food Equipment Group’s brands also include Avery Berkel, Bonnet, Foster, Gaylord, Hobart, Kairak, MBM, Thirode, Traulsen, Vulcan and Wolf.