M&A / Property
SunOpta Announces Shareholder Approval of Proposed Acquisition by Refresco
SunOpta Shareholders Back Refresco Deal; Arbitrage Spread Widens Amid Closing Hurdles

Executive Summary
- SunOpta shareholders have officially approved the proposed acquisition by an affiliate of Refresco Holding B.V. with 98.06% support.
- The transaction is structured as a cash acquisition at US$6.50 per share, valued at approximately US$1.1 billion enterprise value.
- Remaining closing conditions include regulatory clearances and approval by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
- A hearing for the final order to approve the Arrangement is scheduled for April 22, 2026.
- This follows previous announcements regarding proxy advisor recommendations (ISS/Glass Lewis) and HSR waiting period termination on April 10, 2026.
Material Impact
- The shareholder approval was widely anticipated given the unanimous Board recommendation and positive proxy advisory votes issued in early April 2026.
- While the vote confirms the deal is not dead, it does not alter the transaction terms ($6.50 cash) or remove all closing risks (Court hearing remains).
- The news is categorized as Routine - Positive because the outcome was priced into the stock following the proxy recommendations and HSR termination earlier in April.
- However, the market pricing anomaly where shares trade significantly above the offer price suggests skepticism regarding deal certainty rather than pure positive sentiment on the terms.
SOY · Price
Company Overview
- Company: SunOpta Inc., a leading provider of plant-based beverages, broths, and fruit snacks.
- Flagship Project: The company operates manufacturing facilities including the aseptic line in Midlothian, TX (online late 2026) and fruit-snack line in Omak, WA.
- Strategic Positioning: Refresco views SunOpta as an addition to broaden position in fast-growing plant-based beverages category.
- Operations: Revenue growth of 13% expected for FY2025; Adjusted EBITDA guidance raised to $94-$95 million prior to deal announcement.
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May 01, 2026 · 15:11