Nokomis Acquires La Cabane à Mario

Trois-Pistoles, Novembre 8, 2023

The Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ Bas-Saint-Laurent and the Fonds local de solidarité de la MRC des Basques have invested, respectively, $1.5 million and $250,000 in Nokomis, a maple syrup transformer that markets the production of over 200 mainly Bas-Saint-Laurent producers, to enable the latter's acquisition of La Cabane à Mario. The acquisition, made in the context of La Cabane à Mario's business succession plan, will enable the business to continue selling Québec maple products in Europe through Christmas fairs and markets. 

The announcement was made today while Dany Pelletier, Executive Vice-President, Private Equity and Impact Investing, at the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, and Luc Pinard, President and CEO of the Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ (FRS), were visiting the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, recognized as one of the world's leading maple syrup producers. 

"We are pleased to see this business transfer for La Cabane à Mario as it will ensure its growth and, above all, the continuity of its activities worldwide, in line with Nokomis's vision for the future. Now La Cabane à Mario will be able to continue showcasing Québec's delicious maple products at Christmas markets in France and Belgium. We are contributing to the vitality of the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, and we aim to continue to do so," said David Lord, Regional Vice-President of the Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ – Bas-Saint-Laurent. 

"We are delighted to welcome La Cabane à Mario to Nokomis. This acquisition not only offers tremendous potential for growth and innovation, but it also gives us access to the expertise of a business that has grown and conquered many markets over the years. By pooling our strengths, we will preserve the maple syrup heritage of the Bas-Saint-Laurent region," said Vincent More, the new owner of La Cabane à Mario and founder of Nokomis. 

"Keeping the head offices of businesses where they were founded is a priority for the Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ network. By providing regional SMEs with financing and advice, we are supporting their growth and the socioeconomic vitality of Bas-Saint-Laurent and all the other regions of Québec," said Dany Pelletier, Executive Vice-President, Private Equity and Impact Investments, at the Fonds de solidarité FTQ. 

In 2006, La Cabane à Mario gained a foothold in the European market by participating in Christmas markets in Paris and Annecy. Since then, it has taken part in over 30 Christmas markets in France and Belgium, as well as numerous food fairs across France, accompanied by some 30 employees. La Cabane à Mario turned to Nokomis, a company well known in the industry, not only to continue its mission with authenticity, but because of its knowledge of Québec maple products. 

Founded in 2005 in Trois-Pistoles, Nokomis bottles and markets maple products abroad along with other added-value Québec products. Today, the company exports its own products and those of its partners to over 30 countries, including the UK, France, Korea and Japan. 

More than half of FRS investments support regional SMEs

Last year, the network of 17 FRS invested $118.2 million to support the succession of SMEs, whether through internal, external or family transfers. This amount represents more than half of the total invested by the FRS over the period. The financing and guidance offered by the FRS have helped keep the head offices of 83 small and mid-sized businesses in Québec.

In the past financial year, the FRS supported 12 Bas-Saint-Laurent SMEs to ensure their future in the region. 

"Passing the mantle to the next generation is a big challenge for regional SMEs that can have many financial, taxation, legal and especially human implications. We are proud to support sellers and buyers who take the time to develop an orderly succession plan that will see their company remain in Québec hands," said Luc Pinard, President and CEO of the Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ. 

About the Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ 

A part of the Fonds de solidarité FTQ network, the Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ help further regional economic development in Québec by channelling the savings of more than 765,000 Quebecers into local investments. The Fonds régionaux have invested $1.5 billion in more than 1,700 companies since their inception in 1996.

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