Blue Bell Creameries has announced an investment by a prominent Fort Worth businessman will "ensure" the return of its ice cream products to the market.
Blue Bell released a statement Tuesday announcing Sid Bass has become a partner. The company based in Brenham did not reveal the size of Bass' investment.
CEO and President Paul Kruse said Bass made a "significant investment" and that the "additional capital will ensure the successful return of our ice cream."
Bass is active in his family's oil-and-gas business.
The company earlier this year shut down production and issued a national recall after its ice cream was linked to 10 listeria illnesses in four states, including three deaths in Kansas.
Blue Bell last week announced plans for test production runs at its Alabama plant.
Read the announcement
Here's the statement from Blue Bell:
Blue Bell Creameries announced today that prominent Texas business investor Sid Bass has become an investor and partner with the company.
“We are pleased Sid Bass has made a significant investment with our company. The additional capital will ensure the successful return of our ice cream to the market and our loyal customers,” said Paul Kruse, Blue Bell CEO and President.
Sid Richardson Bass graduated from Yale University and Stanford Graduate School of Business before joining the family business founded by his great-uncle, Sid Richardson, and his father, Perry Richardson Bass. Mr. Bass is active in the family oil and gas and carbon black businesses. He has managed long-term investments and worked closely with management teams throughout his career, notably The Walt Disney Company.
“We are excited to be a part of the Blue Bell brand and family” commented Bass. “Blue Bell is the quality leader in the ice cream industry. We believe quality is the principle attribute that ensures the success, growth and longevity of a business.”
