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Middleby to Acquire TurboChef 2008-09-01

Mike Buzalka, Executive Features Editor

September 1, 2008

1 Min Read
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Mike Buzalka

Middleby Corp. is acquiring high-speed oven manufacturer TurboChef Technologies Inc. in a deal worth $200 million. In its announcement, Middleby said it believes TurboChef's technology is in the early stages of gaining broader market acceptance, which will be boosted with the Middleby global sales and service platform and its operating expertise.

“The acquisition of TurboChef will strengthen Middleby's position as a global leader in the foodservice equipment industry,” says Middleby Chairman/CEO Selim Bassoul. “Having created the speed cooking category, TurboChef is the most widely known brand name in the category. The addition of TurboChef's line of products will complement Middleby's existing industry leading brands and portfolio of innovative technologies.”

TurboChef had a net loss of $6.8 million in its most recent fiscal quarter as revenue fell to $21.2 million, the result of the recent economic slowdown.

“Since we reported our first quarter results, we've seen the economy have a dampening effect on our commercial revenues,” says Chairman Richard Perlman. “While our customer relationships remain very strong, our customers are also being affected by the economy in this challenging environment.”

About the Author

Mike Buzalka

Executive Features Editor, Food Management

Mike Buzalka is executive features editor for Food Management and contributing editor to Restaurant Hospitality, Supermarket News and Nation’s Restaurant News. On Food Management, Mike has lead responsibility for compiling the annual Top 50 Contract Management Companies as well as the K-12, College, Hospital and Senior Dining Power Players listings. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English Literature from John Carroll University. Before joining Food Management in 1998, he served as for eight years as assistant editor and then editor of Foodservice Distributor magazine. Mike’s personal interests range from local sports such as the Cleveland Indians and Browns to classic and modern literature, history and politics.

Mike Buzalka’s areas of expertise include operations, innovation and technology topics in onsite foodservice industry markets like K-12 Schools, Higher Education, Healthcare and Business & Industry.

Mike Buzalka’s experience:

Executive Features Editor, Food Management magazine (2010-present)

Contributing Editor, Restaurant Hospitality, Supermarket News and Nation’s Restaurant News (2016-present)

Associate Editor, Food Management magazine (1998-2010)

Editor, Foodservice Distributor magazine (1997-1998)

Assistant Editor, Foodservice Distributor magazine (1989-1997)

 

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