Artisan and premium cheese processor Sartori Foods, Plymouth, Wis., said it purchased Tellory Inc., a Boulder County, Colo., processor of premium Ciolo and Piccolo refrigerated retail pesto, dips and spreads. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

 In conjunction, officials said Tellory has been renamed Sartori Inspirations.

Offiicials said Tellory's home base and core team -- led by co-founder and CEO Mallory Kates -- will remain in Boulder County.

"We have been approached before by companies interested in buying us," said Kates. "But Sartori is clearly the right fit. They understand and share our values and commitment to quality and customers. It's very exciting for us to become part of a team that will not only help us continue to grow, but who can bring us so much in terms of production expertise and quality assurance."

"Tellory is a wonderful fit for Sartori," added Sartori President Jeff Schwager. "Many of their products are artisan cheese-based, and the collective customer base is a strategic match."

Added Jim Sartori, CEO and 3rd generation owner of Sartori, "Much like our award–winning cheese company, Tellory believes in using only the finest, freshest natural ingredients. It is a solid partnership, and having a talent like Mallory on our team will be a great asset. We hope to free her up from the day to day oversight of operations and let her focus on her passion – recipe development and customer care."