NEW YORK — Federal Bankruptcy Judge Robert Drain on Jan. 8 approved the appointment of privately-held Hilco as the agent representing Hostess Brands, Inc., in the auction of its assets.

Hilco will sell all real estate, machinery and equipment, and rolling stock assets that remain in the company’s estate following the completion of bankruptcy court supervised auctions conducted by investment bank Perella Weinberg Partners. Hilco also will assist Perella Weinberg Partners in the sale of any remaining intellectual property. The auctions are expected to be completed this spring.

 “This assignment carries with it great responsibilities,” said Jeffrey B. Hecktman, chairman and chief executive officer of Hilco. “As the liquidating agent representing Hostess Brands, I am confident that Hilco will succeed in generating maximum value for the benefit of company’s creditors.

“Hilco has managed multiple asset class sales of this nature in the past. Our strategy has been to use an integrated approach to value enhancement, made possible by leveraging the deep expertise and global reach of three Hilco business units that are core to the Hostess assignment: Hilco Real Estate L.L.C., Hilco Industrial, L.L.C. and Hilco Streambank.”

 A fourth business unit, Hilco Asset Protection, L.L.C. has been hired by Hostess to provide security services at bakery facilities across the country for the duration of the sale process.