Iowa-based private equity firm Midwest Growth Partners announced that its portfolio company French Gourmet, a Nevada-based manufacturer of croissants and other pastries, has merged with Iowa-based ShellsbyDesign. ShellsbyDesign provides sweet and savory frozen tart shells and ready-to-eat frozen desserts. French Gourmet services hotels, cafes, independent bakeries, diners, grocery bakeries and other food-service businesses. “French Gourmet’s extensive product offerings and market reach will enable us to execute on the vision I’ve had for our company since co-founding the business 15 years ago. We look forward to joining forces with the French Gourmet team to support our combined customers’ success with enhanced premium product offerings,” David Lichtenstein, co-founder of ShellsbyDesign, said in a prepared statement. Lichtenstein will continue to serve as director of operations at the Iowa facility.