Equity firm buys King Juice

Mason Wells, Calypso Brand president acquire flavored lemonade producer

King Juice Company Inc., maker of Calypso brand flavored lemonades, has been acquired by private equity firm Mason Wells.

Milwaukee-based King Juice was acquired from the Kezman and Purpero families by Mason Wells, as well as Calypso Brand President Jeff Outlaw and other members of the management team, according to a news release Tuesday. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Current CEO of King Juice Tim Kezman will continue to work with the company as a consultant through the transition.

King Juice sells 20 lemonade, limeade and teamonade flavors in the United States and 20 other countries.

Mason Wells, based in Milwaukee, invests in consumer packaged goods, outsourced business services, engineered products, packaging materials and converting companies.

The firm has approximately $1 billion in assets under management.

Ben Holbrook, managing director of Mason Wells, said the King Juice Co.’s market position in lemonade, manufacturing capabilities and its workforce made it an attractive investment.

Outlaw, president of Calypso, said in the news release, “We are looking forward to driving growth of the Calypso brand and enhancing its already leading position within the flavored lemonade category.”

“Our ability to innovate,

manufacture, and distribute our products on a national and international scale provides a strong platform for growth.”

Outlaw said the company will be seeking to utilize Mason Wells’ “resources that will fuel our ability to increase the strength of our retail relationships and distribution networks through enhanced brand partnering.”