SunOpta Fruit Group, a subsidiary of SunOpta Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, has signed an agreement to acquire Edner of Nevada, Inc. for $4 million. 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, NV.

Edner co-packs for a variety of branded and private label customers. 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.

“We are pleased to enter into this transaction with SunOpta and to remain engaged with the business, leveraging our joint capabilities,” said Ed Kirschner, president and owner of Edner. “We believe SunOpta provides an excellent platform and fit with Edner’s common values and commitment to product innovation and customer service.”

Steve Bromley, president and CEO of SunOpta Inc., commented, “The combination of our Healthy Fruit Snacks operations and our global sourcing capabilities for healthy ingredients with Edner’s business and extensive capabilities will allow us to strengthen our healthy product offering in the rapidly growing healthy convenience foods category. We are excited about the possibilities for growth once we put our businesses and skill sets together. This acquisition is consistent with our strategy to grow our core value-added natural and organic foods platform, creating strong market positions in niche categories.”