Gordon Brothers, Boston, Mass., entered into a strategic partnership with Carolina Pride, a Greenwood, S.C.-based family-owned packaged meat producer, through its wholly-owned entity CPF Holdings LLC, which now holds a majority equity interest in Carolina Pride. Family members of company founder Dr. W.A. Barnette retained an equity interest in Carolina Pride, and will remain involved in the company. 

Carolina Pride will continue to operate in Greenwood, just as it has for almost a century. This change in corporate structure will allow Carolina Pride to build upon its storied history and heritage without disrupting the day-to-day operations of the company.

“We are excited about working with an established brand like Carolina Pride,” says Jim Lightburn, senior managing director, commercial and industrial at Gordon Brothers. “The company certainly has deep roots in both the industry and the community, as evidenced by its 97-year track record of success.”

Michael Cox, president of Carolina Pride since 2016, will continue to lead the company. His existing management team will remain in place as well. 

“Much has changed since our founding in 1920, but we have never wavered in our commitment to Dr. W.A. Barnette’s vision of producing the highest quality meat products,” adds Cox. “It is this dedication and passion for quality products and exceptional customer service that has made this small family-owned business one of the most successful packaged meat producers in the entire Southeast. We look forward to continuing on in the tradition of the Barnette family.”