TorQuest Partners announced Nov. 14 the acquisition of Bartek Ingredients Inc., a specialty products manufacturer specializing in malic acid, fumaric acid and maleic anhydride for food and beverage, animal nutrition and industrial applications.

In foods and beverages, Bartek’s malic acid ingredients — commonly used in beverages and candies as well as other food applications — impart a desirable sourness reflective of fruit flavor profiles like apples and citrus fruits and deliver an array of functional benefits, according to the announcement.

“Demand for malic acid is on the rise globally,” said Matthew Chapman, partner at TorQuest. “Bartek is the market leader in malic acid, with distribution to more than 35 countries around the world. TorQuest is committed to supporting Bartek as it expands its capacity and capabilities to better serve its customers under the leadership of incoming [chief executive officer] John Burrows.”

In addition to its malic acid ingredients, Bartek produces fumaric acid products that extend shelf life, improve machinability and deliver a cost-in-use benefit in baked goods, fruit juices, candies, jellies, jams and more.

In the animal nutrition arena, fumaric acid benefits animal nutrition products as a replacement for antibiotics in animal feed and increasing feed conversion in piglets in the postweaning period, the company said.

“Cost-in-use remains a major opportunity for both human and animal nutrition brands to deliver a quality product with cost efficiency,” Burrows said. “Whether seeking to improve taste, create operational efficiencies or make a more effective product, we help our customers apply our specialty products to achieve their objectives.”

Supporting its production of malic and fumaric acid ingredients, Bartek also manufactures maleic anhydride, a versatile intermediary chemical. Used in the production of malic and fumaric acids, maleic anhydride also supports the production of a wide range of industrial products, such as copolymers, surfactants and more.

With a focused product portfolio delivering wide-ranging benefits, Bartek’s specialty products improve taste, efficiency and efficacy for brands around the globe. Supported by TorQuest and with new leadership, Bartek intends to continue its growth trajectory.

“TorQuest values Bartek’s proven capabilities and is committed to providing capital equity to support the next stage of Bartek’s growth,” Chapman said.

Established in 1969, Bartek is headquartered in Stoney Creek, Ont., and employs 115 people across its two production facilities in southern Ontario.

Founded in 2002, TorQuest Partners is a Canada-based manager of private equity funds. With more than $2 billion of equity capital under management, TorQuest invests in middle-market companies and works in close partnership with management to build value.