Deloitte Corporate Finance (DCF) acted as financial advisor to Concord, North Carolina-based S&D Coffee, Inc. (S&D) on its sale to Cott Corporation (Cott).  A leading manufacturer and distributor of coffees, teas, specialty beverages, extracts and ingredients to the foodservice industry, S&D engaged DCF to explore a strategic sale of the company. The deal closed on Aug. 11, 2016.

With Cott's national distribution network, established industry relationships and broad procurement and manufacturing capabilities, the transaction will support S&D's continued expansion within the foodservice industry and across the company's diverse portfolio of beverage products. S&D's experience in the coffee and tea manufacturing industry and track record of strong, sustainable growth served as key rationales for the acquisition.

"We could not be more pleased by what the future holds for our stakeholders, including employees and customers, due to this new strategic combination," said Ron Hinson, chairman, president and CEO of S&D. "The synergies S&D has with Cott, whether technology, supply chain, product, distribution channels and markets, are abundantly clear. DCF was instrumental in guiding us through the transaction, and we were impressed with their work ethic, industry knowledge and ability to position our leadership team for success in all aspects of the process."

"S&D's reputation within the foodservice industry is a testament to the Davis family's and S&D management team's dedication and leadership," said Lorin DeMordaunt, managing director, DCF. "We were excited to advise them throughout the deal process. Helping S&D partner with a global beverage player that can position the company to address evolving industry demands and continue a long legacy of growth was rewarding."

Founded in 1927 and headquartered in Concord, North Carolina, S&D is the largest coffee and tea supplier to restaurants in the United States. S&D offers over 3,000 different products and serves over 100,000 customers through national distribution and direct store delivery.

With the acquisitions of DS Services of America Inc. and Eden Springs, Cott has combined leading providers in the direct-to-consumer beverage services industry with its traditional business, one of the world's largest producers of beverages on behalf of retailers, brand owners and distributors. Cott now has the largest volume-based national presence in the North American and European home and office delivery industry for bottled water and one of the five largest national market share positions in the U.S. and Europe office coffee services and filtration services industries.