Telluride Daily Planet to Join Family-Owned Media Portfolio; Closing Anticipated September 2025

FORT MYERS (Aug. 18, 2025) – Hoffmann Family of Companies and Hoffmann Media Group are pleased to announce a pending agreement to acquire the Telluride Daily Planet, its sister publication The Norwood Post, and lifestyle titles Telluride Style and Shelter Magazine. The transaction is expected to close on September 12, 2025. Terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

Originally founded in 1898 as the Telluride Times, the Telluride Daily Planet has long been the trusted source of local news for residents and visitors of Telluride, Colorado, and the surrounding San Miguel County. Renowned for its in-depth community reporting, coverage of local government, and dedication to preserving the unique voice and culture of the mountain town, the publication holds a special place in the region’s media landscape.

“We are honored to carry forward the legacy of the Telluride Daily Planet and support the talented team of journalists who bring Telluride’s stories to life,” said J. Pason Gaddis, CEO of Hoffmann Media Group. “Telluride is a vibrant, world-class community, and we believe strong local journalism is essential to keeping it informed, connected, and resilient.”

“This acquisition reflects our continued commitment to the newspaper industry and our belief in the vital role of independent journalism in communities across the country,” added David Hoffmann, Chairman of Hoffmann Family of Companies.

Following the closing, the Telluride Daily Planet will return to its historic name, Telluride Times, and will continue to operate under its existing local leadership. Hoffmann Media Group plans to invest in enhanced digital capabilities and expanded local coverage, ensuring the publication remains a trusted source of news for generations to come.

This announcement follows Hoffmann Media Group’s June acquisition of Missourian Publishing Co., owner of The Missourian Media Group, a respected family-owned media organization based in Washington, Missouri.

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About Hoffmann Media Group: Hoffmann Media Group—part of Hoffmann Family of Companies—is a dynamic and innovative media company committed to delivering high-quality journalism and content. With a strong focus on community engagement, the group operates a diverse portfolio of publications and media platforms, connecting audiences through trusted reporting and meaningful storytelling. Hoffmann Media Group publishes variety of publications, including The Napa Valley Register, St. Helena Star, Florida Weekly, Babcock Ranch Telegraph, Ave Maria Sun, Town Chronicle, St. Ignace News, Mackinac Island Town Crier, Florida Health Care News, and iFoundMyDoctor.com. These publications span over 30 markets and focus on delivering high-quality local news and content.

About Hoffmann Family of Companies: Hoffmann Family of Companies is a multi-vertical, family-owned private equity firm consisting of over 120 global brands and employs 17,000 employees with businesses located in 30 countries and 400 locations around the world. Hoffmann Family of Companies’ verticals include Agriculture, Aviation & Transportation, Financial & Professional Services, Hospitality & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing and Real Estate. For more information, visit HFCompanies.com.

For More Information: [email protected]

Strategic Partnership Aims to Expand Elmer’s Year-Round Offerings, Accelerate Growth

NEW ORLEANS (Aug. 5, 2025) – Hoffmann Family of Companies (“HF Companies”), a U.S.-based family equity firm with a long-term investment philosophy, has acquired Elmer Chocolate (“Elmer”), one of the nation’s leading seasonal chocolatiers and the largest manufacturer of small heart-shaped chocolate boxes in the United States.

“We’re honored to partner with the Nelson family and build on Elmer Chocolate’s remarkable legacy,” said Geoff Hoffmann, Co-CEO of HF Companies. “Rob and Michael [Nelson] are exceptional leaders, and their commitment to quality and tradition aligns perfectly with our values. Elmer is a storied brand with tremendous potential, and we’re excited to help shape its next chapter of growth and innovation.”

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Elmer will continue under the leadership of third-generation family members Rob and Michael Nelson, who will retain partial ownership and remain actively involved in the company’s future and leadership.

“This partnership marks a pivotal milestone for Elmer Chocolate as we embark on an exciting new chapter of growth and innovation,” said Rob Nelson, President & CEO. “By expanding operations and broadening our portfolio beyond seasonal confections, we’re positioning the company for year-round customer engagement—while remaining true to the heritage and craftsmanship that have defined our brand for 170 years. Most importantly, our current product line will remain unchanged, continuing to deliver the quality and flavor our consumers know and love.”

“At Elmer, our culture has always been rooted in people—our employees, our customers, and our community,” said Michael Nelson, President & Chief Operating Officer. “That shared focus was a key driver in choosing a partner with a long-term vision and genuine respect for family-owned businesses. We’re confident this collaboration will empower our team and help us advance our mission in meaningful ways. To our loyal customers: your Elmer teams aren’t going anywhere—we’ll continue to work closely with you on the exciting opportunities ahead.”

Elmer Chocolate’s story began in 1855 with New Orleans pastry chef Christopher Henry Miller. The business later evolved into Elmer Candy Corporation when Miller’s son-in-law, Augustus Elmer, and his descendants joined the enterprise. In the 1960s, Roy Nelson acquired the company’s confectionery arm, steering it toward seasonal chocolates. By 1970, he and his son Allan had consolidated manufacturing in Ponchatoula, Louisiana—laying the groundwork for Elmer’s rise as a national confectionery leader.

In 2016, Elmer further solidified its market presence by expanding its production facility by 70,000 square feet, bringing the total footprint to more than 400,000 square feet. The expansion positioned Elmer Chocolate as the most technologically advanced assorted chocolate manufacturer and packer in the industry.

With a rich legacy and iconic product lineup, Elmer has become a staple in American celebrations. Elmer has earned national recognition for their Celebrate with Chocolate Valentine’s Day assorted chocolate hearts with more than 40 million sold annually across North America. Gold Brick Eggs and Heavenly Hash Eggs are the iconic Easter candy brands in the New Orleans market that have been present at Easter celebrations for over a century. 

The deal team was led by Clayton Jones, EVP of Business Development and advised by Berger Cohen & Brandt (Legal) and FORVIS (Diligence). Elmer was advised by NextGen Capital Markets (M&A).

To learn more about Elmer Chocolate’s timeless treats and future innovations, visit www.elmerchocolate.com. For updates from Hoffmann Family of Companies, visit www.hfcompanies.com.

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About Hoffmann Family of Companies

Hoffmann Family of Companies is a multi-vertical, family-owned private equity firm consisting of over 120 global brands and employs 17,000 employees with businesses located in 30 countries and 400 locations around the world. Hoffmann Family of Companies’ verticals include Agriculture, Aviation & Transportation, Financial & Professional Services, Hospitality & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing and Real Estate. For more information, visit HFCompanies.com.

For More Information: Rachel Berkowitz | [email protected]

CHICAGO/NAPLES/ST. LOUIS (April 1, 2025) – The Hoffmann Family of Companies (HF Companies), a family-owned private equity firm with deep roots in Chicago’s North Shore, Southwest Florida, and Greater St. Louis, is proud to announce that its Founder and Chairman, David Hoffmann, has been honored on Forbes’ prestigious ‘World Billionaires’ list for the fourth consecutive year. In 2024, Hoffmann was ranked #1945; this year, he is ranked #1750 with a net worth of $2B.

Hoffmann’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1989 with the founding of Chicago-headquartered DHR Global, a leading global executive search and leadership advisory firm. His real estate revitalization efforts, spearheaded through Hoffmann Commercial Real Estate (HCRE), encompass properties in Naples, Fla; Winnetka, Ill.; Augusta, Mo.; Mackinac Island, Mich.; and Avon, Colo.—collectively valued at over $1 billion. 

Beyond its real estate investments, HF Companies has continued its momentum since the publication of the 2024 Forbes list, acquiring over 10 new companies across its sectors of focus:

Throughout 2024, Hoffmann expanded its ownership stake in Lee Enterprises, Inc., becoming its second-largest shareholder. HF Companies plans to further grow this investment as market conditions allow. Lee is the fourth-largest newspaper publisher in the U.S., operating in 26 states and managing 77 newspapers nationwide, including the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 

The Hoffmann Family’s philanthropic endeavors span a wide array of causes, including healthcare, youth development, and the arts. They provide financial support and actively serve on the boards of renowned nonprofits such as the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), Brightpoint Chicago (formerly Children’s Home & Aid), the Everglades Foundation, the Field Museum (Chicago), the Horatio Alger Association, Joffrey Ballet (Chicago), the Naples Children & Education Foundation, Naples Players Community Theatre, the Naples Zoo, Type 1 Timer (T1T) Hockey, the University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center, and the Washington County 4-H Club (Missouri). 

To see Hoffmann’s Forbes profile, visit forbes.com/profile/david-hoffmann. To see the complete ranking, visit forbes.com/billionaires. For additional updates on Hoffmann Family of Companies, visit www.hfcompanies.com. 

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About Hoffmann Family of Companies:
Hoffmann Family of Companies is a multi-vertical, family-owned private equity firm consisting of over 120 global brands and employs 16,000 employees with businesses located in 30 countries and 400 locations around the world. Hoffmann Family of Companies’ verticals include Agriculture, Aviation & Transportation, Financial & Professional Services, Hospitality & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing and Real Estate. For more information, visit HFCompanies.com.

For More Information:
Rachel Berkowitz | [email protected]