MEDIA CONTACT
Michelle Martinez Reyes, Chief Marketing Officer
954.333.4357 | [email protected]
GREENSPOON MARDER REPRESENTS ANSA McAL U.S. IN STOCK PURCHASE OF INDIAN RIVER BEVERAGE CORPORATION IN CENTRAL FLORIDA
FORT LAUDERDALE – July 26, 2016 – Greenspoon Marder today announces its representation of ANSA McAL U.S. in its stock purchase acquisition of Indian River Beverage Corporation (IRBC), which operates the Indian River Brewery under Florida Beer Company, a state-of-the-art regional craft brewery in Cape Canaveral, FL.
Florida Beer Company, the third largest brewery in the State of Florida, produces various beer brands which are distributed throughout the United States and has contracts for many global brands of national distinction. The acquisition of Florida Beer Company marks ANSA McAL’s first purchase of a private brewing production facility in the United States. This Caribbean pioneer is highly experienced in the production of malt beverage “beer” brands with local flavor and international appeal. ANSA McAL’s Beverage Sector currently owns and operates Carib Brewery, one of the largest and well established local brewing companies in the Caribbean. With over 1000 employees, Carib Brewery produces the much loved Carib beer, commonly referred to as the “beer of the Caribbean” and Carib Light. Carib Brewery also brews Stag beers and a range of Shandy Carib products.
Anthony N. Sabga III, Group Business Development Executive and Sector Head, Beverage, speaking on behalf of the ANSA McAL Group referred to this latest addition to the Beverage Sector as exciting.
“The milestones attained by Carib Brewery through the abundance of heritage and quality, have earned us the distinction of bringing quality life to the Caribbean diaspora and beyond. We are proud of our local roots and enthusiastic at the prospect of this new addition to our three other breweries located in Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada and St. Kitts and Nevis.”
James Webb, President/CEO of Florida Beer Company stated:
“As a member of the leading brand that partners with consumers on delivering a lifetime of memories, Carib Lager is quintessentially Caribbean. Florida Beer Company naturally fit in our wheelhouse and is unique in that we have the capability to offer the consumer brands from around the state like Key West Sunset Ale. We offer products for everyone like Hurricane Reef Caribbean Pilsner or Florida Lager, to even craft-like brands such as Devils Triangle IPA.”
Greenspoon Marder’s diverse team of attorneys and regulatory consultants worked collaboratively to handle all aspects of the deal on behalf of ANSA McAL. Led by Shareholders Robert Lewis and Marbet Lewis on this transaction, the firm’s Alcohol Beverage Industry Group assisted with structuring the acquisition early in the negotiation process and handled regulatory compliance due diligence with the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and various state agencies. Along with consultants James McCoy, Tony Haynes and Tom Busey, the Alcohol Beverage Industry Group conducted on-site compliance reviews at the brewery and provided guidance on post-closing regulatory disclosures and permitting requirements.
Shareholder Gregory Blodig and his team in the firm’s corporate practice managed the corporate transaction, and stock purchase terms on behalf of ANSA McAL. Shareholder Manuel Crespo of the Miami office led his team to manage the real estate acquisition and related due diligence.
“Our team has worked with the ANSA McAL Group for over ten years,” comments Robert Lewis, Co-Chair of Greenspoon Marder’s Alcohol Beverage Industry Group. “This transaction had various moving parts including review and analysis of the alcohol regulatory issues that are unique to our industry. We are excited to continue this relationship as ANSA McAL expands their Beverage Sector and brings their extensive expertise in the brewing industry to the state of Florida and across the United States.”