Liberte Brand-Products-Natural and Organic Yogurt Products

Investment case studies

Beverage Company, Foodservice and Specialty Distribution equity investments

Liberty Brand Products, Inc. is the leading Canadian manufacturer and marketer of natural and organic yogurts and other cultured dairy products, sold under its Liberté and Western Creamery brands. Additionally, Liberty is a major natural and organic products distributor in Quebec and Ontario.

SPC Investment Date
August 2004

SPC Investment Thesis

Niche market leadership position in the Canadian yogurt market (#1 organic yogurt brand) would facilitate strong revenue growth
Premier distributor of refrigerated natural products in Canada
Excellent platform for acquiring other Canadian food companies
An upgrade of management would lead to operating improvement
A wide-range of strategic buyers would be interested in a leading brand with an exceptional quality advantage and growth potential

Key Sources of Value Creation

Strategic Guidance: Provided strategic guidance and key introductions for launching U.S. strategy
Growth Strategies: Focused the Company strategy on building core brand value, pursuing new distribution opportunities and broadening product offerings
Management: Leveraged key Operating Partner in Canada as CEO and upgraded several key positions (CFO, VP-Marketing, and VP-Operations)
Add-on Acquisitions: Sourced, negotiated and closed two tuck-in acquisitions. Sourced and evaluated numerous add-on acquisition opportunities

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