Friday January 25, 2013

Three Classic Brands Join Atkinson

Lufkin, Texas — Atkinson Candy Co. is purchasing Slo Poke, Black Cow and Sophie Mae brands from Laco, Inc., a strategic contract manufacturing partner of The Warrell Corp.

The purchase extends Atkinson’ reach in both the chewy candies and peanut brittle markets, with particular emphasis on the Sophie Mae brand, which the company reports offers a major opportunity.

President Eric Atkinson says: “We are proud to bring these three great items into our ever-growing house of classic candy brands. This acquisition points to our continued strategic growth in the classic confections market and allows us to work more closely with other family owned U.S. businesses.”

Warrell Corp. President Pat Huffman adds: “This strategic transaction by Atkinson and the potential for additional product introductions represent new opportunities for both Warrell and Atkinson Candy Co. to work together and maximize existing capabilities of both companies to our mutual benefit.”

Atkinson will have exclusive marketing and sales rights, while manufacturing details are still in discussion. The company says it will utilize Warrell’s facilities in York, PA, and its own plant in Lufkin, TX, during the transition.