Fairfax Financial to Acquire Andrew Peller in C$579 Million Deal

The acquisition offers a significant windfall for shareholders. Fairfax will pay C$8.00 per class A share and C$12.00 per class B share, premiums of 41% and 70% over Friday’s closing prices. The transaction, which carries an aggregate fully diluted equity value of C$397 million, signals a major consolidation in the Canadian beverage sector. The wine maker’s portfolio spans Peller Estates, Trius, and Wayne Gretzky Estates, alongside hospitality operations across Ontario, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia.

Despite the total transfer of control, the Peller family is not entirely exiting the business. A group led by John Peller plans to roll approximately 15% of its class A and 25% of its class B holdings into the buyer’s equity. Finalization of the acquisition, slated for the third quarter of this year, hinges on a two-thirds majority shareholder vote. Should the deal collapse, a C$12 million termination fee awaits the party that walks away.