M&A / Property
Refresco to Acquire SunOpta for $6.50 Per Share in Cash

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Executive Summary
- Refresco announced a definitive agreement to acquire SunOpta Inc. for cash at $6.50 per share, pending shareholder, court and regulatory approvals.
- The transaction will be effected via a court‑approved plan of arrangement under the Canada Business Corporations Act and is expected to close in Q2 2026.
- Upon closing, SunOpta will become a wholly‑owned subsidiary of Refresco and its shares will be delisted from NASDAQ and TSX; SunOpta will suspend earnings calls and guidance.
Key Details
- Purchase Price: $6.50 cash per SunOpta share.
- Structure: Statutory court‑approved plan of arrangement (Canada).
- Closing Timeline: Expected Q2 2026, subject to customary closing conditions (court, regulatory approvals, SunOpta shareholder approval).
- Board Approval: Unanimously approved by the boards of Refresco and SunOpta.
- Financing: Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc. and KKR Capital Markets LLC have provided committed financing for the transaction (terms not disclosed).
- Advisors – SunOpta: Lazard (financial advisor, fairness opinion), Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP & Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP (legal counsel), Scotiabank (special committee financial advisor, fairness opinion).
- Advisors – Refresco: Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (exclusive financial advisor), Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP & Bennett Jones LLP (legal advisors).
- Post‑Closing Status: SunOpta will be a wholly owned subsidiary; its common stock will cease trading; quarterly earnings conference calls are suspended and no further guidance will be provided.
- Shareholder Process: SunOpta to file proxy circular with SEC and Canadian regulators; special meeting of shareholders anticipated March 2026 (circular mailing) with the meeting expected in April 2026.
Notable Quotes
“SunOpta represents an exceptional strategic addition to our portfolio… The acquisition … significantly broadens our position in the fast‑growing plant‑based beverages category.” – Steve Presley, CEO, Refresco
“This strategic combination validates our vision of transforming SunOpta into a premier solutions partner… I’m incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished and excited about the opportunities ahead.” – Brian Kocher, CEO, SunOpta
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May 01, 2026 · 15:11