Refresco to acquire SunOpta

Refresco, a leading independent beverage solutions provider for preeminent global and local beverage brands in North America, Europe, and Australia, and SunOpta Inc., a North American supply chain solutions provider, announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Refresco has agreed to acquire SunOpta for $6.50 per share in cash.

Steve Presley, Chief Executive Officer of Refresco, said, “SunOpta represents an exceptional strategic addition to our portfolio and is consistent with our proven growth strategy to expand our capabilities into adjacent beverage categories. The acquisition of SunOpta is highly complementary and significantly broadens our position in the fast-growing plant-based beverages category. It further enhances our existing North American presence and capabilities, supporting a more balanced geographic footprint between North America and the rest of the world. Acquiring SunOpta enables us to further expand our offerings to our existing retailer and branded customers, while adding leading out‑of‑home customers and capabilities to Refresco that are aligned with our long-term value creation strategy. Finally, and most importantly, I am excited to welcome the SunOpta Team to the Refresco family.”

Brian Kocher, Chief Executive Officer of SunOpta, said, “This strategic combination validates our vision of transforming SunOpta into a premier solutions partner in the high-growth better-for-you food and beverage space. Over the past several years, we’ve built exceptional platforms serving marquee customers and consistently delivering double-digit growth while maintaining the highest food safety and quality standards. This partnership with Refresco provides the resources and scale to unlock SunOpta’s full potential. I’m incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished and excited about the opportunities ahead as we enter this next chapter of our growth journey.”

The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, will be implemented by way of a statutory court-approved plan of arrangement under the Canada Business Corporations Act. It is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of court and regulatory approvals and subject to SunOpta shareholder approval. Upon completion of the transaction, SunOpta will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Refresco and the shares of SunOpta will no longer be publicly traded.