Bain Capital is exploring strategic exit options for **Dessert Holdings**, its premium dessert manufacturing platform. The private equity firm is reportedly weighing a direct sale or an initial public offering (IPO) that could value the business at more than **$3 billion**. To manage this dual-track process, Bain has engaged **Goldman Sachs** and **Bank of America**. This move comes as the global dessert grocery market continues its upward trajectory, projected to reach **$26.4 billion** in 2026 with a compound annual growth rate of **6.8%**. Since Bain Capital acquired the company in 2021, Dessert Holdings has undergone significant expansion. Originally operating with three brands, the portfolio has grown to **seven specialized brands**, including The Original Cakerie, Lawler’s Desserts, and the recently acquired **Willamette Valley Pie Company**. The company’s financial profile has strengthened alongside this consolidation. Dessert Holdings now generates approximately **$1 billion** in annual revenue. Its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) are estimated at over **$200 million** annually. The premium dessert sector is currently being reshaped by two distinct consumer behaviors. While Gen Z and health-conscious buyers are gravitating toward **smaller portion sizes** and "one-bite" formats, there is a simultaneous surge in the **frozen and refrigerated** convenience categories, which are outperforming traditional center-store grocery items. This potential exit follows a broader rebound in the M&A landscape. Global deal values rose **40%** to **$4.9 trillion** in 2025, and current sentiment suggests high activity levels will persist through 2026. Private equity firms are increasingly looking to capitalize on higher valuations by preparing long-held assets for the public markets or strategic buyers. Dessert Holdings is positioned within a competitive landscape of **161 active players**. The company’s focus on high-quality ingredients and a diverse distribution network across North American grocery and food service channels has made it a primary candidate for this multi-billion dollar valuation.