CCMP Growth Advisors Partners with Canadian Foodservice Wholesaler A1 Cash & Carry

Investment to Support A1’s Continued Growth and Expansion Across Canada

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A1 Cash & Carry (“A1” or the “Company”), a leading cash and carry foodservice wholesaler in Ontario, announced today that CCMP Growth Advisors, LP (“CCMP Growth” or the “Firm”), a private equity firm focused on partnering with high-growth, lower middle market industrial and consumer companies, has acquired a majority ownership stake in the Company from National Foods (PSX: NATF), which will retain a minority interest.

A1’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Amjad “Jay” Parvaiz, will continue to lead the Company and maintain his family’s ownership position in the Company. Additionally, Mark Hornick, a CCMP Growth Executive Advisor and the former President and CEO of manufacturing and distribution company Jamieson Wellness, will join A1’s Board of Directors.

Founded by Mr. Parvaiz in 1998, A1 serves independent restaurants and foodservice customers through a multi-site footprint offering bulk grocery, protein, produce, dairy, frozen foods, food packaging, janitorial products, and restaurant equipment. The Company operates eight stores and four warehouses across Ontario, combining cash-and-carry shopping, delivery, and e-commerce to meet customer needs. A1’s success is driven by its ability to provide a diverse mix of ethnic and mainstream food products at competitive prices.

“My colleagues and I are excited to welcome CCMP Growth as our new investment partner,” said Jay Parvaiz, Founder and CEO of A1 Cash & Carry. “Their team has a proven track record of helping high-growth, founder-led businesses like ours expand successfully. Together, we will continue delivering value to independent restaurants while expanding A1’s reach across Canada.”

“A1 is a trusted supplier to thousands of independent restaurants, and we look forward to supporting Jay and his team as they scale the business and extend its footprint nationally,” said Joe Scharfenberger, Co-Managing Partner at CCMP Growth Advisors. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our strategy of backing founder-led businesses with strong customer relationships and significant growth potential.”

Mark Hornick, an Executive Advisor at CCMP Growth and new A1 board member, commented, “A1 is well-positioned to capitalize on new opportunities in the growing Canadian foodservice market. I look forward to leveraging my operating experience to help drive A1’s strategic growth.”

Advisors

McCarthy Tétrault LLP and Ropes & Gray LLP served as legal advisors and Bank of Montreal (BMO) served as financial advisor to CCMP Growth. Bennett Jones LLP and Akbar, Sarki, Khan & Co. acted as legal counsel to National Foods. TD Securities acted as exclusive financial advisor to A1. TD Bank and BMO have provided committed bank financing in support of the transaction.

About A1 Cash & Carry

Founded in 1998, A1 Cash & Carry is a leading cash and carry wholesaler in Ontario serving as a one-stop-shop for independent restaurants and foodservice customers with a full suite of products including bulk grocery, food packaging, protein, produce, dairy, frozen foods, janitorial products, small wares and restaurant equipment. A1 Cash & Carry serves over 40,000 customers at its eight store locations and four warehouses. The team works hard to keep customers happy by going above and beyond their expectations in price, consistency, quality and service. More information is available at www.a1cashandcarry.com.

About CCMP Growth Advisors, LP

CCMP Growth Advisors, LP (“CCMP Growth”) is a private equity firm focused on leading buyout and growth equity investments in high-growth, lower middle market companies in the industrial and consumer sectors, primarily in North America. CCMP Growth leverages the extensive investment experience and deep industry relationships of its team and its proprietary research model to identify high-growth companies. The CCMP Growth team partners with management to help each of its portfolio companies scale and build enduring growth through strategic and operational support. Visit www.ccmpgrowth.com.