Rise Baking Company is set to buy US peer Jimmy’s Gourmet Bakery, a New Jersey-based maker of cookies and other baked goods.

The Minneapolis-headquartered group has signed an agreement to acquire Jimmy’s Gourmet Bakery for an undisclosed sum.

In a statement yesterday (18 June), Rise Baking said the acquisition will "expand its product offering and manufacturing capabilities", highlighting Jimmy’s “eye-catching packaging” and “strong retail partnerships nationwide”.

The deal will also expand Rise Baking's footprint in the north-east of the US, the company said.

Rise Baking CEO Mark McNeil, who took over the responsibility earlier this year, said: “Jimmy's Gourmet Bakery brings strong operational capabilities, a proven innovation track record and an experienced team to Rise.

“Their expertise and strong reputation in the cookie category make them a natural fit for Rise while expanding our footprint in the north-east.”

Jimmy’s, founded in 1985, produces thaw-and-sell baked goods.

The bakery’s key brands include its flagship Jimmy’s Cookies, the King Krumb Cookie line and Ecce Panis artisan breads. It also produces private-label products.

The company operates more than 350,000-square feet of production capacity across three facilities.

Jimmy's CEO Howard Hirsch said: “Rise Baking Company shares our passion for quality, innovation and customer service.

“This partnership is expected to create exciting opportunities for continued growth while allowing us to maintain the entrepreneurial spirit and bakery craftsmanship that Jimmy's is known for.”

The deal is expected to be finalised in the third quarter of this year, subject to completion of certain closing conditions.

Formed in 2013, Rise Baking supplies in-store bakeries and foodservice operators across North America. It owns brands including Brill, South Coast Baking and Table Talk.

In March, the baked-goods group unveiled plans to expand its manufacturing facility in Pleasant View, Utah and close its plant in Kent, Washington to “optimise” its production network.

The expansion of the Pleasant View site, slated for completion this year, will create about 170 jobs.