Simply Squeezed Forms Investment Partnership

29 September 2006

Simply Squeezed Forms Investment Partnership

New Zealand’s leading chilled juice company has secured investment from a private equity firm, allowing it to expedite its business development and growth potential.

Crescent Capital Partners has bought a majority stake in Hawke's Bay-based Simply Squeezed Holdings, however the company management will remain in the hands of current CEO and company founder Steve Brownlie.

“We are thrilled to form an investment partnership with Crescent Capital Partners, which means we can fast track our growth aspirations,” says Mr Brownlie.

“We are set to make an even bigger mark on the New Zealand juice industry as we consolidate our position as the number one chilled juice company, with 63 per cent market share.”

Mr Brownlie will retain his position as CEO of Simply Squeezed and will continue to manage the company’s day-to-day operations and future direction setting.

“The Crescent deal is great news for Simply Squeezed and the Hawke's Bay community. We plan to increase our presence in the market and upgrade our plant and facilities to a truly best practice operation.”

Simply Squeezed is the only juice company that has its own national chilled distribution network, ensuring superior customer service and the highest quality product.

The company currently uses 80 per cent of New Zealand’s juicing oranges from crops around the country. To meet future demand, Mr Brownlie is developing orchards in the Wairoa and Gisborne regions.

Crescent’s investment is the latest milestone in Simply Squeezed’s history, which was started by the Brownlie family 40 years ago. Mr Brownlie established the juicing business under the Simply Squeezed brand in 1991.

Mr Brownlie attributes the company’s success, and in turn its investment appeal, to an unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality product at the best possible price.

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