Welcome
We are excited to introduce ourselves to you and our unique way of working together. In order to provide you with the optimal experience, how would you describe yourself?

Case Study

Polar Beverages, a family that grows together

Headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts, Polar Corp. is a leading bottler of proprietary brand and private label soft drinks and spring water.

Case Study

Polar Beverages, a family that grows together

Headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts, Polar Corp. is a leading bottler of proprietary brand and private label soft drinks and spring water.

At a Glance

Completing a minority recapitalization

Polar Beverages was looking for a way to transition the business from fourth to fifth generation ownership. That meant simultaneously buying out minority shareholders and refinancing some senior debt, which would require a good deal of capital.

Relationship since 2001
Transaction details:
  • Mezzanine Financing
Meet the team
“Mezzanine financing from Prudential Private Capital provided capital to expand and grow the business which resulted in earnings growth and the ability of family owners to increase their equity stake.”
Ralph Crowley, Jr., President and CEO, Polar Beverages

The Full Story

Transitioning business ownership

Polar Beverages was looking for a way to transition the business from fourth to fifth generation ownership. That meant simultaneously buying out minority shareholders and refinancing some senior debt, which would require a good deal of capital. The remaining family owners were not interested in selling or giving up control of the business, which has been in the Crowley family since 1882. They turned to us for solutions to help them rebuild their capital structure, facilitate the buyout and help Polar grow under the new generation.

We worked closely with Polar’s senior family owners to complete a minority recapitalization to help them rebuild their capital structure and facilitate the buyout. We were also awarded a board seat and observer rights. Polar repaid the mezzanine financing in full, from earnings, in less than six years, and we continue to have a strong relationship.

Closeup of seltzer water

Additional case studies

Client company logo
Traffic Management, Inc. refinances existing bank debt and funds a dividend to its owners
Relationship Since 2024
See the full story
Client company logo
Prudential Private Capital supports acquisition of ICON Parking
Relationship Since 2024
See the full story
Client company logo
Prudential Private Capital supports The Wells Companies, Inc.’s acquisition of Gate Precast
Relationship Since 2024
See the full story

Meet our team

See all people
Right arrow
Engin Okaya headshot
Engin Okaya
Executive Managing Director
212.626.2042
Email
Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis & New York Corporate Finance

Perspectives

More than meets the eye: A closer look at the most commonly used type of capital.
The Prudential Private Capital Guide to Senior Debt.
Learn More
You might also like