Apr 27, 2011 10:50 AM

Marin French Cheese Company and Rians have entered into a final agreement in which the 146-year-old California cheese company will be acquired by Rians, a family-owned French cheese company. Subject to customary closing conditions, the transaction is expected to be completed in May 2011.

Details of the acquisition include completion of expansion plans for the cheese plant and aging facilities; ongoing support of community projects; stewardship of the company’s 700 acres of Marin County land; and retention of all members of the Marin French staff. Marin French manager Maxx Sherman will transition to a new role as director of national sales.

In 2006, Rians purchased neighboring Sonoma artisan goat cheese producer Laura Chenel’s Chèvre and recently completed building a new creamery. Marie Lesoudier, general manager of Laura Chenel’s Chèvre, will oversee all activities at Marin French.

Rians, also known as Laiteries H Triballat, is a French artisan cheese company operating 15 creameries in Europe and the United States.

Known to locals as The Cheese Factory and by its brand name Rouge et Noir, Marin French has produced hand-crafted artisan soft-ripened cheese since 1865. Rouge et Noir cheeses are based on French and European varieties but reflect the characteristics of Northern California.

Visit www.marinfrenchcheese.com to learn more.