Saothair Capital Completes Acquisition of North American Breweries

WAYNE, Pa., Sept. 3, 2026, Saothair Capital Partners, a private equity firm focused on middle-market manufacturing and industrial companies, has completed its acquisition of FIFCO USA, formerly known as CCR American Holdings, Inc., from Distribuidora La Florida, a subsidiary of Heineken N.V. The transaction, facilitated through a newly-formed affiliate of Saothair, marks a significant shift for the company as it returns to its original name, North American Breweries (NAB).

Headquartered in Rochester, New York, NAB is a leading brewer in the U.S., known for its extensive portfolio of branded beer and ready-to-drink beverages. The company's product lineup includes well-known brands such as Labatt, Genesee, Seagram’s Escapes, Lipton Hard Iced Tea, and Bubly Wine Refresher. NAB also serves as one of the largest providers of full-service contract brewing for beer and other alcoholic beverages. The company operates out of the Genesee Brewery, a historic and modern facility that continues to brew and package products on-site. The Genesee Brewery, one of the oldest and largest continually operating breweries in the U.S., employs over 700 workers and features state-of-the-art brewing and packaging equipment.

Peter Bodenham has been appointed as the new CEO of North American Breweries, bringing with him over 25 years of executive experience, primarily in the brewing industry. Bodenham’s background includes senior marketing roles at NAB and its predecessor, including a stint as Vice President of Marketing from 2009 to 2014. He has since led marketing efforts at Sleeman Breweries.

Rich Lozyniak, Co-founder and Operating Partner at Saothair, expressed enthusiasm about the new leadership. "I am excited to support Peter and the broader management team as they drive the business forward. Having led NAB myself, I understand the unique value of this company and am committed to ensuring its continued success."

Peter Bodenham echoed the sentiment, stating, "I am thrilled to return to North American Breweries at this pivotal moment. This business has an extraordinary legacy and deep regional roots, and I see significant opportunities ahead. Our focus will be on investing in the Genesee Brewery and the brands that define our portfolio, leveraging our talent, loyal customer base, and strong supplier partnerships to build a sustainable, growing business for the long term."

Kevin Madden, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Saothair, added, "We are thrilled to have Peter lead NAB as CEO. He brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the brewing industry, which will be invaluable as we move forward."

Rolando Carvajal, CEO of Distribuidora La Florida, commended Saothair for its commitment. "After carefully evaluating a range of potential options, we are pleased to partner with Saothair. Their deep expertise, long-term investment approach, and commitment to the business make them the ideal stewards for NAB's next chapter."

Legal counsel for Saothair was provided by Jenner & Block LLP, while Heineken was represented by Sidley Austin LLP. Bank of America served as the financial advisor for the transaction.

With this acquisition, North American Breweries aims to leverage its rich heritage and modern capabilities to continue serving its employees, customers, and communities.