\nLaird Superfood, Inc. (NYSE American: LSF) (\u201cLaird Superfood,\u201d \u201cLaird\u201d or the \u201cCompany\u201d), today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire all of the outstanding equity of Navitas LLC (\u201cNavitas\u201d) for a purchase price of $38.5 million in cash, subject to customary purchase price adjustments (the \u201cNavitas Acquisition\u201d).<\/p>\n
\nThe Navitas Acquisition is expected to be funded through the private placement (the \u201cNexus Investment\u201d and, collectively with the Navitas Acquisition, the \u201cTransactions\u201d) of $50.0 million of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the \u201cSeries A Preferred Stock\u201d) to affiliates of Nexus Capital Management, LP (\u201cNexus\u201d). The Nexus Investment is subject to approval by Laird\u2019s stockholders and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. The parties expect to consummate the Transactions in the first quarter of 2026.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThis acquisition represents a meaningful step forward in our strategy to build a scaled, diversified platform in functional nutrition,\u201d said Jason Vieth, Chief Executive Officer of Laird Superfood. \u201cNavitas is a pioneering brand that shares our unwavering commitment to high-quality, clean-ingredient, functional nutrition. We believe that the Navitas brand and portfolio of organic superfoods is a great complement to Laird Superfood, and propels us forward in our strategic goal of building a scaled platform of healthful food and beverage brands.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe are pleased with the opportunity to combine with Laird Superfood,\u201d said Ira Haber, Chief Executive Officer of Navitas. \u201cThe highly complementary nature of our product portfolios and our shared focus on health and wellness minded consumers make this a natural fit. We believe bringing together two mission-driven brands with a common commitment to clean, high-quality nutrition positions the combined platform for continued growth.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThe combination is expected to broaden Laird Superfood\u2019s product lineup and strengthen its position in the rapidly growing superfoods and wellness market. The Navitas Acquisition is expected to bring clear synergies and value creation through the integration of complementary supply chains, sourcing networks, and distribution channels. Further, the Navitas Acquisition is intended to drive scale and expand reach across e-commerce and retail partners. Navitas\u2019 expertise in nutrient-dense, minimally processed foods closely aligns with Laird Superfood\u2019s mission of real-food performance, creating opportunities for new product development that addresses evolving consumer demand for wellness and sustainability. The investment from Nexus provides additional growth capital to support these initiatives following the closing of the Transactions and will enable Laird Superfood to pursue additional food and beverage brands to join its positive nutrition platform.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe are excited to partner with Laird Superfood and support its combination with Navitas,\u201d said Michael Cohen, Partner at Nexus. \u201cLaird has built a compelling platform of premium, high-quality products with strong consumer loyalty, and the addition of Navitas further strengthens that foundation.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cLaird Superfood and Navitas are two brands built on authenticity, integrity, and a shared commitment to real, nutrient-dense food,\u201d added Kayla Dean Obia, Principal at Nexus. \u201cWe believe this partnership creates a powerful foundation for innovation and long-term growth while staying true to the values that resonate so strongly with today\u2019s health-conscious consumers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Key Terms of the Nexus Investment<\/b><\/p>\n \nAdditional information regarding the Navitas Acquisition and the Nexus Investment may be found in the Company\u2019s Form 8-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the \u201cSEC\u201d).<\/p>\n Conference Call and Webcast Details<\/b><\/p>\n \nWe will host a conference call and webcast at 4:30 p.m. ET today to discuss the Transactions. Participants may access the live webcast on the Laird Superfood Investor Relations website at https:\/\/investors.lairdsuperfood.com<\/a> under \u201cEvents\u201d. The webcast will be archived on the Company\u2019s website and will be available for replay for at least two weeks.<\/p>\n Advisors<\/b><\/p>\n \nHaynes and Boone, LLP is serving as legal counsel to Laird. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is serving as legal counsel to Nexus. William Hood & Company, LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Navitas. Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP is serving as legal counsel to Navitas.<\/p>\n About Laird Superfood<\/b><\/p>\n \nLaird Superfood, Inc. creates award-winning, plant-based superfood products that are clean, delicious, and functional. Our products are designed to enhance a consumer\u2019s daily ritual and keep them fueled naturally throughout the day. Laird Superfood was co-founded in 2015 by the world\u2019s most prolific big-wave surfer, Laird Hamilton. Laird Superfood\u2019s offerings are environmentally conscientious, responsibly tested and made with real ingredients. Shop all products online at www.lairdsuperfood.com<\/a> and join the Laird Superfood community on social media for the latest news and daily doses of inspiration.<\/p>\n About Navitas<\/b><\/p>\n \nNavitas LLC is a leading premium food brand specializing in high-quality, healthy, organic superfoods sold in natural and conventional grocery, club and ecommerce channels. Navitas LLC was founded in 2003 and has a 20+ year history as a pioneer in superfoods with a premium, purpose-driven platform of organic, functional food products that resonate with today\u2019s health-conscious consumer. For more information on Navitas LLC, please visit www.navitasorganics.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n About Nexus Capital Management<\/b><\/p>\n \nNexus Capital Management LP is an alternative asset investment management company based in Los Angeles, California that was founded in 2013. Nexus employs a flexible investment mandate that focuses on long-term value creation by partnering with leading management teams and businesses. For more information on Nexus, please visit www.nexuslp.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Important Information About the Transactions and Where to Find It<\/b><\/p>\n \nIn connection with the Preferred Stock Issuance, Laird intends to file preliminary and definitive proxy statements and other materials with the SEC. In addition, Laird may also file other relevant documents with the SEC regarding the proposed Transactions. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS<\/b>. The definitive proxy statement and other relevant documents will be sent or given to Laird\u2019s stockholders as of the record date established for voting. Investors and stockholders may also obtain a free copy of the proxy statement (when available) and other documents filed by Laird at its website, www.lairdsuperfood.com<\/a>, or at the SEC\u2019s website, www.sec.gov<\/a>. The proxy statement and other relevant documents may also be obtained for free from Laird by directing such request to Laird, to the attention of the Investor Relations, 5303 Spine Road, Suite 204, Boulder, Colorado 80301.<\/p>\n Participants in the Solicitation<\/b><\/p>\n \nLaird, Nexus and their respective directors, partners and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Laird\u2019s stockholders in connection with the proposed Transactions. Investors and stockholders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of Laird\u2019s directors and executive officers by reading Laird\u2019s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on February 26, 2025. To the extent holdings of common stock by Laird\u2019s directors and executive officers have changed from the amounts of common stock held by such persons as reflected in Laird\u2019s Annual Report on Form 10-K, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding potential participants in such proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be included in the proxy statement and other relevant materials filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed Transactions when they become available.<\/p>\n Forward-Looking Statements<\/b><\/p>\n \nThis press release contains \u201cforward-looking\u201d statements, as that term is defined under the federal securities laws, including but not limited to statements regarding the (i) the proposed Transactions and their expected terms, timing and closing, including receipt of required approvals, satisfaction of other customary closing conditions and expected changes and appointments to the Laird Board, (ii) estimates of future synergies, growth opportunities, savings and efficiencies, (iii) expectations regarding Laird\u2019s ability to effectively integrate assets and properties it may acquire as a result of the Navitas Acquisition, (iv) expectations of the continued listing of Laird\u2019s common stock on the NYSE American and (v) expectations of future plans, priorities, focus and benefits of the proposed Transactions. Such forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as \u201canticipates,\u201d \u201cbelieves,\u201d \u201ccontinues,\u201d \u201ccould,\u201d \u201cestimates,\u201d \u201cexpects,\u201d \u201cintends,\u201d \u201cmay,\u201d \u201coutlook,\u201d \u201cplans,\u201d \u201cpotential,\u201d \u201cpredicts,\u201d \u201cprojects,\u201d \u201cseeks,\u201d \u201cshould,\u201d \u201cwill,\u201d \u201cwould,\u201d or the antonyms of these terms or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are based on Laird Superfood\u2019s current assumptions, expectations and beliefs and are subject to substantial risks, uncertainties, assumptions and changes in circumstances that may cause Laird Superfood\u2019s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.<\/p>\n \nThe risks and uncertainties referred to above include, but are not limited to: (i) the ability of the parties to consummate the proposed Transactions in a timely manner or at all, (ii) satisfaction of the conditions precedent to consummation of the Nexus Investment and the Navitas Acquisition, including the ability to secure required consents and regulatory approvals in a timely manner or at all, and approval by Laird\u2019s stockholders of the Preferred Stock Issuance, (iii) the possibility of litigation (including related to the proposed Transactions) and (iv) other risks described in Laird\u2019s SEC filings. More information on potential factors that could affect Laird\u2019s financial results will be included in the preliminary and the definitive proxy statements that Laird intends to file with the SEC in connection with Laird\u2019s solicitation of proxies for the Laird Special Meeting of Stockholders to be held to approve the Preferred Stock Issuance in connection with the proposed Transactions.<\/p>\n No Offer or Solicitation<\/b><\/p>\n \nThis press release is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent, or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the potential Transactions and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.<\/p>\n View source version on businesswire.com: <\/span>https:\/\/www.businesswire.com\/news\/home\/20251222261433\/en\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Investor Relations Contact KEYWORDS:<\/b> United States North America Colorado<\/p>\n INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:<\/b> Organic Food Online Retail Retail Supermarket Specialty Food\/Beverage<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n<\/b>
Trevor Rousseau
\n
investors@lairdsuperfood.com<\/a><\/p>\n
![\"Logo\"](\"https:\/\/mms.businesswire.com\/media\/20251222261433\/en\/2121346\/3\/New_Logo.jpg\"){kind=logo}
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n