Blue Bell Receives Investment From Texas Oil Tycoon

Blue Bell creameries are still at a stand still while everything is cleaned and tested and cleaned and tested again. The company earlier this year shut down production and issued a national recall after its ice cream was linked to 10 listeria illnesses in four states, including three deaths in Kansas.

However, it seems a prominent Texas businessman has decided to step forward and grant Blue Bell a big investment that, as Blue Bell says, will "ensure the successful return of our ice cream to the market and our loyal customers."

Blue Bell released a statement Tuesday announcing Sid Bass has become a partner. The company based in Brenham, Texas, did not reveal the size of Bass' investment. Sid Richardson Bass graduated from Yale University and Stanford Graduate School of Business before joining the family business founded by his great-uncle, Sid Richardson, and his father, Perry Richardson Bass. Mr. Bass is active in the family oil and gas and carbon black businesses. He has managed long-term investments and worked closely with management teams throughout his career, notably The Walt Disney Company.

No word yet on when Blue Bell will return to full strength. However, Blue Bell last week announced plans for test production runs at its Alabama plant in the coming weeks.