On April 26, Marin French Cheese Co., Petaluma, Calif., and Rians announced that they have entered into a final agreement in which the 146-year-old California cheese company will be acquired by Rians, a family-owned French cheese company. The purchase agreement is subject to customary closing conditions and the transaction is expected to be completed in May.
Jim Boyce, owner of Marin French Cheese since 1998, had considered a business alliance prior to his death last September. He had met with potential partners, domestic and foreign cheese producers, during the past few years, searching for the perfect match to continue the spirit and philosophy of Marin French he developed during his ownership. Kris Otis, Boyce’s wife, continued the search along with the company’s board of directors, carefully reviewing options prior to making this final decision.
“Jim met several years ago with Hugues Triballat to forge this partnership,” Otis says. “The Board and I feel that Rians understands and will preserve Jim’s vision.”
Details of the acquisition include completion of expansion plans for the cheese plant and aging facilities; ongoing support of community projects; stewardship of the company’s 700 acres of Marin County land, including public picnic areas and the retail store; and retention of all members of the Marin French staff. Maxx Sherman, longtime Marin French manager, will transition to a new role as director of national sales.
In 2006, Rians purchased neighboring Sonoma artisan goat cheese producer, Laura Chenel’s Chèvre, and completed building a new state-of-the-art creamery earlier this year.
Marie Lesoudier, general manager of Laura Chenel’s Chèvre, will oversee all activities at Marin French Cheese. Over the years, Marin French soared to international acclaim for its Triple Crème Brie while accumulating record awards nationally for its line of traditional French-style and American original soft-ripening cheeses.
Rians, also known as Laiteries H. Triballat, is a family-owned French cheese company operating 15 creameries in Europe and the U.S.
Source: Rians/ Marin French Cheese Co.
