CHICAGO – Entrepreneurial Equity Partners (e2p), a Chicago-based private equity firm with investments in the food and consumer packaged goods industries, announced on Dec. 1 that it invested in Denmark, Wis.-based sausage and hot dog processor Salm Partners LLC. 

“I have admired Chris Salm and the broader team of partners he has assembled for 15 years and am incredibly honored to have the opportunity to partner together,” said CJ Fraleigh, managing partner of e2p. “Salm is an exceptional values-based company that has earned an industry-leading reputation by focusing on creating trusted partnerships with customers, suppliers, and teammates. We look forward to working together to continue building and growing the Company on this strong foundation.”

The private equity firm said that Salm will maintain a significant stake in the company. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. 

Salm Partners LLC was founded in 2004 and has grown into a contract manufacturer of fully cooked sausages and premium hot dogs in the United States. 

“With their industry experience and reputation for partnering with entrepreneurs and family businesses, e2p is a perfect fit for Salm,” said Chris Salm, co-founder and board member for Salm Partners. “We are excited to have their support as we pursue the company’s next stage of growth together.” 

The company has two separate production facilities near its headquarters in Denmark. Salm also jointly runs WFSP Foods LLC, in Decatur, Ala., with Oakwood, Ga.-based Wayne Farms LLC. 

Last year, e2p acquired Rhode Island-based artisan meat producer Daniele Inc.