Finance

Exclusive-Starbucks supplier Cuisine Solutions hires Morgan Stanley and Rothschild for potential sale, sources say

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on December 18, 2025

2 min read

· Last updated: January 20, 2026

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Exclusive-Starbucks supplier Cuisine Solutions hires Morgan Stanley and Rothschild for potential sale, sources say
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By Abigail Summerville Dec 18 (Reuters) - Food company Cuisine Solutions, which makes egg bites for Starbucks and sous vide grass-fed beef sirloin for Costco, has hired investment banks to explore a

Cuisine Solutions Hires Banks for Potential $2B Sale

By ‌Abigail Summerville

Dec 18 (Reuters) - Food company Cuisine Solutions, which ‍makes egg ‌bites for Starbucks and sous vide grass-fed beef sirloin ⁠for Costco, has hired ‌investment banks to explore a sale next year that could value the private, family-owned company at over $2 billion, according to ⁠people familiar with the matter.

The company has hired Morgan Stanley and ​Rothschild to run the sale process, the ‌people said, requesting anonymity ⁠as the sale is private. Cuisine Solutions makes meats, vegetables and other prepared foods for airlines, the ​military, restaurants and hotel chains around the world, including Hilton. 

Cuisine Solutions, Rothschild and Morgan Stanley declined to comment. 

The Sterling, Virginia-based company pioneered the sous vide cooking ​style, ‍which is French for "under ​vacuum." Chair Stanislas Vilgrain founded the company in 1971 and he and his relatives are the majority owners. 

In 2022, Bain Capital came in as a minority investor, providing $250 million to accelerate the company's growth and global ⁠expansion. Bain also declined to comment.

Sous vide is a slow-cooking technique where food ​is sealed and cooked in water at precise times and temperatures. Then, the food can be frozen and stored for long periods of ‌time before getting reheated to serve.

(Reporting by Abigail Summerville in New York; Editing by Dawn Kopecki and Lisa Shumaker)

Key Takeaways

  • Cuisine Solutions is exploring a sale valued over $2 billion.
  • Morgan Stanley and Rothschild are managing the sale process.
  • The company supplies sous vide products to major brands.
  • Bain Capital invested $250 million in 2022.
  • Cuisine Solutions pioneered sous vide cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is private equity?
Private equity refers to investment funds that directly invest in private companies or buy out public companies, resulting in their delisting from public stock exchanges. These investments are typically illiquid and involve a higher risk.
What is a merger?
A merger is a business combination where two companies join to form a single entity, often to enhance competitiveness, increase market share, or achieve economies of scale.
What is a valuation?
Valuation is the process of determining the current worth of an asset or a company. It is essential for investment decisions, mergers, and acquisitions, and can be based on various methods, including discounted cash flow analysis.
What is corporate strategy?
Corporate strategy refers to the overarching plan and direction of a company, focusing on how to create value and achieve competitive advantage through resource allocation, market positioning, and operational efficiency.

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