Last checked Oct 11, 2026
Pearson's Candy Company (Pearson’s Candy)pearsonscandy.comPearson's Candy Company (Pearson’s Candy) is currently listed as private-equity-owned.
Ownership & Acquisition History
Pearson’s Candy is currently controlled by Promise Holdings, LLC via its confectionery platform (Annabelle Candy Company / Seattle Gourmet Foods / Promise Confections), which acquired Pearson’s in 2022.
Notes
- Mesirow (sell-side advisor) states Pearson’s (a Spell Capital portfolio company) was sold to Annabelle Candy Company / Seattle Gourmet Foods, described as a portfolio company of Promise Holdings, LLC, supporting current PE/financial-sponsor control.
- Star Tribune reporting (recent and historical) characterizes Promise Confections/Promise Holdings as private equity ownership in connection with Pearson’s.
- PR Newswire announcement states Brynwood Partners VI L.P. acquired Pearson Candy Company in 2011, supporting the first identified private-equity ownership event.
- Founding and founder details are supported by MinnPost and Wikipedia, describing founding in 1909 in Minneapolis by P. Edward Pearson and brothers.
Sources
- Mesirow Advises Pearson's Candy on its Sale to Annabelle Candy Company / Seattle Gourmet Foods
Mesirow - Current ownership: sold to Annabelle/SGF, a portfolio company of Promise Holdings; also confirms Pearson’s was a portfolio company of Spell Capital before sale.
- Local investors make a play to buy Pearson’s Candy, maker of the Salted Nut Roll
Star Tribune - Characterizes Promise Confections as owned by Chicago-based private equity group Promise Holdings (supports PE-control framing).
- Brynwood Partners VI L.P. Acquires Pearson Candy Company
PR Newswire - First private-equity ownership: Brynwood Partners VI L.P. acquisition (2011).
- A goodie idea: The history of Pearson’s Nut Goodie
MinnPost (MNopedia) - Founding details (1909, Minneapolis, Pearson brothers).
- Pearson's Candy – The Official Site of Pearson's Candy
Pearson's Candy - Official company website.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearson%27s_Candy_Company
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
- https://mn.gov/deed/assets/warn-2026-pearsons-candy-company_tcm1045-762217.pdf
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
- https://www.mprnews.org/story/2018/11/18/longtime-minnesota-candy-maker-returns-to-local-ownership
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
- https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-based-pearson-candy-co-is-becoming-minnesota-owned-again/500727072
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
- https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/12916-spell-capital-finalizes-acquisition-of-pearsons-candy
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearson_Candy_Company%2C_Inc.
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brynwood_Partners
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
Ownership FAQ
Is Pearson's Candy Company (Pearson’s Candy) owned by private equity?
Yes. Pearson's Candy Company (Pearson’s Candy) is currently listed as private-equity-owned by Promise Holdings, LLC.
Who owns Pearson's Candy Company (Pearson’s Candy)?
Annabelle Candy Company / Seattle Gourmet Foods (SGF), a portfolio company of Promise Holdings, LLC (operating within Promise Confections/Promise Holdings)
When was Pearson's Candy Company (Pearson’s Candy) last checked?
This page was last checked on Oct 11, 2026.