SunOpta Acquires Edner Of Nevada, Inc.

TORONTO, Dec. 6, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SunOpta Inc. ("SunOpta" or the "Company") (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) today announced that its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary SunOpta Fruit Group Inc. ("SunOpta Fruit Group") has signed definitive agreements to acquire 100% of the assets and business of Edner of Nevada, Inc., ("Edner") for cash consideration of $4 million, on a debt free basis, subject to post closing working capital adjustments, plus a potential earn-out dependent on the achievement of certain future targets. Edner is a profitable business that will be accretive to SunOpta. The transaction is expected to close in the next several weeks upon the completion of customary closing conditions.

Edner was founded in 2003 by Ed and Vicky Kirschner and produces a wide variety of nutritious portable foods such as nutrition bars and grains and fruit based snack bars serving the fast growing wholesome and convenient healthy snacks category from its 104,000 square foot facility, located in Carson City, Nevada. Edner co-packs for a variety of branded and private label customers and current revenues are approximately $10 million, with equipment and capacity available to support an increase of revenues to approximately $50 million without significant capital investment. Edner's existing operational capabilities will also enable SunOpta to extend the breadth of its fruit based product offerings via the introduction of innovative new products utilizing the capabilities that exist within this facility.

Ed Kirschner, President and owner, commented, "We are pleased to enter into this transaction with SunOpta and to remain engaged with the business, leveraging our joint capabilities. We believe SunOpta provides an excellent platform and fit with Edner's common values and commitment to product innovation and customer service. Vicky and I want to express our sincere appreciation to our dedicated employees for their hard work and commitment and we look forward to working with them as part of the SunOpta family."