Oscardo Inc. has been acquired by Arctic Beverages LP

Toronto, Q1 2024 – CCC Investment Banking (“CCC”) a national independent investment bank announced it acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Oscardo Inc. (“Oscardo”) on the sale to Arctic Beverages LP.

Oscardo is one of Canada’s leading supplier of souvenir and gift products featuring artwork from Indigenous artists.  Oscardo’s products are found in Indigenous-owned stores and wholesalers, boutiques, museums, public and private art galleries, National Parks and government organizations across Canada.

“I asked CCC to find an Indigenous buyer who would ensure the company would continue to flourish.  It was important to me to look for a strong Indigenous owner in the spirit of reconciliation and to help carry on the relationships Oscardo has not only with its artists but with many of its customers” said Oscar Lulka, President and former owner.  “CCC was invaluable in guiding me through the divesture process and demonstrated a tenacity in its search for potential buyers.   In the end the successful completion met all my objectives with respect to deal value and finding an ideal Indigenous partner.”

Robert Bird, Managing Director at CCC said, “We are pleased that we were able to not only meet, but exceed, all of our client’s expectations.  Oscardo, can now authentically say it is an Indigenous owned business with deep relationships with both Indigenous artists and customers.   Arctic Beverage not only further enhances First Nations relationships but also brings exceptional strength in their distribution capabilities and reach that will compliment Oscardo’s internal capabilities.”

Geoff Guy, CEO of Athabasca Basin Development who represented Artic Beverage ownership who together with Sean Post, Artic Beverages LP CEO represented the buyer in the deal commented, “We thank Rob and his team at CCC for all their work getting this over the finish line.  We deal with many accounting firms/brokers across the country and CCC was very professional in the way it presents information, handled the negotiation and carried itself through diligence.  You are amongst the leaders in this space [mid-market advisory].  Thanks again for working so closely with Sean and team and we are all excited about Oscardo’s future prospects.”

The sale of Oscardo exemplifies another successful engagement completed by CCC Investment Banking within the Canadian mid-market landscape.    CCC’s relentless commitment to close was critical in researching and qualifying the unique buyer universe required for this particular situation.

About CCC

CCC is a leading independent investment bank with offices in Toronto and Vancouver. For over 40 years, CCC has provided expert advice to clients completing divestitures, acquisitions, capital raises, valuations, and other capital decisions. CCC practices “A Relentless Commitment to Close” and is focused on understanding and achieving its client’s objectives. CCC knows that transactions are complex and require focus and perseverance to achieve exceptional results.

About Oscardo

Since 1997, Oscardo has been an industry leader, paying royalties to over 25 artists for every product sold and consulting the artists during development to ensure a beautiful product that fairly represents and promotes their artwork. Known for carrying quality items featuring top designs, Oscardo’s products are found in Indigenous-owned stores and wholesalers, boutiques, museums, public and private art galleries, National Parks and government organizations in every province across the country.

About Artic Beverages

Artic Beverages started as the only Indigenous owned Pepsi Franchise that today provides a one stop shop for grocery, convenience and wholes retailers for a variety of premium consumer packages goods to over 2,500 customers across half of Canada.  Artic Beverages is owned by Athabasca Basin Development, Prince Albert Development Corporation and Paskwayak Business Development, representing 13 First Nations and four remote northern communities.