09-07-2012
Interesting brief conference call with North American Breweries ceo Rich Lozyniak this morn acknowledged that NAB parent KPS has had “very preliminary” discussions with “a small group of investors” who are potential acquirers but there’s nothing imminent, said 2 distrib sources. So very “hard to speculate,” according to Rich, who asked distribs to be “patient” over next couple of mos. In the event of “change of control,” mgt has a stake in co and is commited to staying, according to Rich, and would move forward “with our distributor partners” who he also described as part of value proposition in any potential deal. Meanwhile, NAB biz up 6%, he said, and Seagram Coolers up 48%. “See you in January” at NAB’s natl sales convention, concluded Rich. Unstated, but KPS asking price may just be too high as several private equity firms and Pabst have reportedly passed.
