Ronin Equity Partners, an operationally-focused buyout group, has created Lotus Beverage Alliance through the simultaneous merger for six companies: Alpha Brewing Operations, GW Kent, Twin Monkeys, Stout Tanks and Kettles, Brewmation and Automated Extractions.
Together, the six companies have a combined value of $100 million. Founders and management hold a significant double-digit ownership percentage and Ronin has implemented an equity incentive program throughout the organization, extending to junior employees.
“We are thrilled at the prospect of uniting a fragmented craft beverage supply landscape through a remarkable alliance of industry partners.” says Jesse Yao, Ronin managing partner and co-founder. “By embedding Ronin executives in the back office, our corporate partners can concentrate more fully on expanding their product range and increasing sales.”
Triago Americas Inc. acted as sole placement agent on all of Ronin’s platform investments, including the Lotus transaction. Katten Muchin Rosenman acted as Ronin’s legal advisor on Lotus; buyside M&A advisors were KeyBanc and Harvey & Co. Debt was provided by Webster Bank as lead left bookrunner & administrative agent and by Texas Capital Bank, BHI and Stifel Bank as joint lead arrangers.