Unipac Agrees to $10.7-Million Deal to Purchase Hansen Beverage

IRVINE — Unipac Corp., a holding company in Irvine, agreed Thursday to buy Brea-based Hansen Beverage Co., a maker of all-natural soda and apple juice.

Unipac will pay $10.7 million plus 667,667 shares of its common stock to Hansen. The agreement also includes an option to purchase additional Unipac stock. In addition, if the business attains certain performance goals, Hansen may also be paid up to $1.71 million more in cash and Unipac common stock.

“We want to expand, and so we were looking for an infusion of capital,” said Harold Taber, president of Hansen and former president of Coca-Cola Co.’s Los Angeles division. He said he hopes to make Hansen a national brand within two years. “Natural is the buzzword for people now.”

Hansen’s initial stake in Unipac would be about 10%, Unipac said. The transaction is scheduled to be completed by July 15. Hansen’s stock would be traded over the counter and its name would be changed to Hansen Corp.