Simpson Thacher is representing Refresco in connection with the announced definitive agreement to acquire SunOpta. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Refresco will purchase SunOpta for $6.50 per share in cash. The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, 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.
Refresco is the leading independent beverage solutions provider for preeminent global and local beverage brands, with production in North America, Europe, and Australia. SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths and better-for-you snacks.
The Simpson Thacher team includes Breen Haire, Shamus Crosby, David Bumgardner, Tushar Parashar, Eric Zhi, Adam Danciu, and Noah Moreano (M&A); Catherine Burns, Patrick R. Wolff, Steven Ari Halpern, and Ye Joo Lee (Banking and Credit); Peter Guryan, Richard Jamgochian, and Kelly Karapetyan (Antitrust); Toby Chun and Shefain Islam (Environmental); Caroline Geiger, Margerite Blasé, and Corina DeFeo (Intellectual Property); Krista McManus and Fadi Rif (Real Estate); Nancy Mehlman, Jenna Al-Malawi, and Heesang Yeo (Tax); David Rubinsky, Hannah Daniels, and Katherine Howard (ECEB); Vanessa Burrows, Alison Peters, and Jacob Madden (Healthcare); and Matt Feehily and Carina Mitchell (ESG).