Caisse de depôt et placement du Québec is purchasing a $2.5 million stake in Glutenberg Holding Co.
The investment is through the Caisse’s Fonds Espace CDPQ, which was set up in 2016 to help small- and medium-sized businesses in Quebec finance global expansion projects. Along with further loans totalling another $2.5 million from the Business Development Bank of Canada and BDC Capital, the Quebec producer and distributor of craft beer and spirits intends to expand, both in the province and further abroad. It also plans to establish Glutenberg Capital, a financial arm for the company.
Read: Caisse buys shares in Montreal-based investment firm
“This investment is consistent with the Fonds Espace CDPQ strategy, which is to finance and support the global expansion of innovative SMEs from Quebec,” said Christian Dubé, executive vice-president for Quebec at the Caisse. “Glutenberg already holds an enviable position in its industry, and we will be able to support its strategic development and expansion plans over the next years.”
Through the Glutenberg microbrewery, the company produces gluten-free craft beer for domestic and international markets. It also owns Oshlag, a maker of specialty beer and spirits, and Transbroue, a Quebec distributor of craft beers, spirits, ciders and wines.
Read: Caisse buys shares in Montreal-based investment firm
In other investment news, the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan has acquired Jasper Farms, an Australian avocado producer.
“Avocados are difficult to substitute and their unique flavour and nutrient profile have helped them benefit from the growing demand for health foods in Australia and internationally,” said Andrew Claerhout, senior managing director of infrastructure and natural resources at the pension fund. “The acquisition of Jasper Farms underscores Ontario Teachers’ mandate to seek long-term investments in well-managed, producing agriculture properties to meet the growing global demand for food.”
The acquisition is an addition to Ontario Teachers’ existing presence in the Australian agricultural market.
Read: Navigating the complexities of investing in agriculture