Newport Beach-based private equity firm ClearLight Partners LLC sold portfolio company Apple & Eve LLC to Canadian food manufacturer Lassonde Industries Inc. for about $150 million.
Port Washington, N.Y.-based Apple & Eve makes fruit juice sold under various brands. It is the “largest privately held producer of 100% fruit juice” in the U.S., according to ClearLight. Apple & Eve recently had $190 million in annual sales.
Quebec-based Lassonde, which is acquiring Apple & Eve through its U.S. subsidiary, U.S. Juice Partners LLC, makes fruit- and vegetable-based drinks, soups and sauces. Its brands include Del Monte, Oasis and Tropical Grove. The company will have a 90% stake in Apple & Eve, with the rest held by the Lassonde family.
