SunOpta Completes Divestiture of Its Canadian Based Natural Health Products Distribution Business

Under the terms of the agreement, Banyan paid cash on closing of CDN $14,000,000 and provided a CDN $700,000 note which is contingent on future EBITDA earnings targets. Matthew James, the existing President of Purity, will continue to lead the business under its new ownership group.

6 Jun 2012 --- SunOpta Inc. has completed the previously announced divestiture of its Canadian natural health products distribution business (operated as Purity Life Natural Health Products) to an affiliate of Banyan Capital Partners for CDN $14,700,000, before transaction costs.

Purity Life Natural Health Products distributes a wide range of natural health products including dietary supplements, vitamins, natural body care and earth friendly household goods throughout Canada, and also manufactures a number of natural health care products. Purity is believed to be the largest stand-alone distributor of these products in Canada. The business formed part of the Company's International Foods Group. Purity has annual revenues of approximately CDN $60 million and contributed positively to SunOpta's first quarter 2012 earnings. The sale is expected to have a modest dilutive effect on earnings per share prior to the redeployment of the funds by the Company.

Banyan Capital Partners is an affiliate of Connor, Clark & Lunn Financial Group ("CC&L Financial Group"), a multi-boutique asset management firm that provides a broad range of distinct and independently managed investment products and services to Canadian individual and institutional investors. CC&L Financial Group and its affiliated companies collectively manage approximately $40 billion in financial assets under management.

Under the terms of the agreement, Banyan paid cash on closing of CDN $14,000,000 and provided a CDN $700,000 note which is contingent on future EBITDA earnings targets. Matthew James, the existing President of Purity, will continue to lead the business under its new ownership group.

Matthew James, President of Purity commented, "This is an exciting time for all the employees of Purity Life as well as our business partners as it gives Purity Life the opportunity to continue to build on it strong business platform as Canada's largest distributor of natural health products to Canadian retailers."

Steve Bromley, President and Chief Executive Officer of SunOpta commented, "This transaction further simplifies and focuses SunOpta on our core integrated natural and organic foods sourcing and processing model, strengthens our balance sheet and positions our Company for future growth opportunities. We would once again like to thank the dedicated employees of Purity Life for their many contributions to our Company and wish them continued success under Banyan's leadership."