Under the terms of the agreement, Refresco will pay $6.50 per share in cash for the food and beverage manufacturer. The offer represents a substantial premium over SunOpta’s previous closing price of $4.83. Based on FactSet data, the deal values the company’s 120.8 million outstanding shares at an equity value of roughly $785 million.

Strategic Expansion in North America

The acquisition is designed to cement Refresco’s position within the plant-based beverage category while scaling its operational footprint across North America. By absorbing SunOpta, Refresco intends to diversify its offerings for retail and branded clients and gain access to specialized out-of-home customer segments.

Refresco Chief Executive Steve Presley stated that the move enhances the company's existing capabilities and broadens its market reach. The transaction is currently slated to close in the second quarter, pending standard regulatory reviews and shareholder conditions.