JMM Advises on Highlander Partners’ Award-Winning Acquisition of Tapatío

LOS ANGELES — September 24, 26 — Jeffer Mangels & Mitchell LLP (JMM) is pleased to announce that the acquisition of Tapatío by Highlander Partners has been named the Breakthrough Deal of the Year by the Los Angeles Business Journal as part of its 2026 M&A Awards. JMM attorney David Ma was part of the deal team that advised on this significant transaction, which brought together a leading private investment firm and one of the nation’s best-known hot sauce brands.

The Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2026 M&A Awards recognize notable mergers and acquisitions and the companies, investors, and professional advisers involved in transactions across the Southern California business community, including JMM’s recognition for Breakthrough Deal of the Year.

Building on Tapatío’s Family-Owned Legacy

Highlander Partners acquired a controlling interest in Tapatío, the No. 5 hot sauce brand in the United States, from the Saavedra family. The Arnold Companies also invested a significant minority equity position alongside Highlander Partners, while the Saavedra family retained a minority interest in Tapatío following the closing.

The acquisition was structured as a platform transaction for Highlander Partners, with the investment intended to support future business acquisitions. The transaction also involved navigating the unique considerations of a family-operated business and completing the closing on a tight timeline while addressing the financial and operational considerations of the parties.

Founded in California in 1971 by Jose-Luis Saavedra Sr., Tapatío has grown into a nationally recognized hot sauce brand. Following the acquisition, Highlander Partners outlined plans to expand Tapatío’s reach into new geographies, broaden distribution, strengthen product development and pursue complementary product categories.

JMM’s Corporate and M&A Practice

JMM’s Corporate and M&A attorneys advise companies, private equity firms, investors and other clients throughout the life cycle of a transaction, from strategic planning and due diligence through negotiation, structuring and closing. The Firm represents clients in a broad range of mergers and acquisitions, investments, financings, joint ventures and other complex corporate matters across numerous industries, including food and beverage, consumer products, hospitality, technology, manufacturing and business services. The Firm’s multidisciplinary capabilities allow its attorneys to work across corporate, finance, real estate, tax, intellectual property, employment, litigation and other legal considerations that can arise in complex transactions. For more information about our attorneys and our services, visit www.jeffer.com.