UPD Holding Corp. Announces Re-Entry Into Beverage Business, Appointment of New Director, and Cancellation of Certain Debt

Rhea-AI Summary

UPD Holding Corp. (OTC: UPDC) is re-entering the beverage market, focusing on specialty waters and functional beverages through its subsidiary, United Product Development Corp. The acquisition of operating lines for various beverage formats cost $3.75 million, comprised of $1.25 million in common stock and a $2.5 million secured promissory note. Concurrently, Bill Nicholson joins the Board of Directors, bringing extensive experience, while Jeff Guest assumes the role of President at United Product. The company has also divested its interest in VHB Kentucky, reducing over $400,000 in debt.

Positive

• Re-entering the beverage market, potentially boosting revenue opportunities.
• Acquisition of equipment enhances production capacity for diverse beverage formats.
• Appointment of Bill Nicholson strengthens strategic guidance.
• Jeff Guest's leadership experience aligns with beverage operations expansion.

Negative

• Acquisition cost of $3.75 million may strain financial resources.
• Dependence on beverage market success for future growth.

RENO, Nev., Jan. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UPD Holding Corp. (OTC:UPDC) (the “Company” or “UPDC”), a publicly traded holding company in the health and wellness industry, is pleased to announce that it is re-entering the beverage business with a focus on specialty waters and functional beverages.

The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, United Product Development Corp., a Nevada corporation (“United Product”), entered into an agreement on December 30, 2022 for the acquisition of several complete operating lines of equipment for various bottle and can formats, including printed- and sleeve-labeled standard and slimline 12 fl. oz. cans, shrink-labeled 2 fl. oz. shot bottles, and adhesive-labeled 2 fl. oz. tincture bottles. Within these packaging formats, United Product is able to meet cold, hot, pasteurized, pH-adjusted, colored, flavored, carbonated, and other beverage-enhanced fill demands.

The purchase price paid by United Product is $3,750,000, consisting of: (a) $1,250,000 of the Company’s common stock shares, valued at a fixed price of $0.025 per share; and (b) a $2,500,000 secured promissory note payable to the seller over two years in annual installments.

“This Company has a long history of being in the beverage industry from time to time, and we believe current demand and functional ingredient innovation make this a prudent time to re-enter the consumer beverage market,” said Mark Conte, CEO of the Company.

Along with the acquisition, the Company is pleased to announce that William “Bill” Nicholson, has been named to the Company’s Board of Directors to provide valuable strategic guidance to the Company’s management team.

Mr. Nicholson’s wide-ranging experience includes serving as Appointments Secretary to President Gerald R. Ford; providing key leadership to the Amway Corporation where, as COO, he oversaw revenue growth from under $1 billion to over $6 billion; and serving on the boards of UCLA’s Center on Middle Eastern Development, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and Grand Valley State University. Bill also has served as an advisor to the Van Andel Institute for many years.

Mr. Nicholson filled the director vacancy created by the resignation of Patrick Ogle on December 31, 2021.

The Company also is pleased to announce that it has named Jeff Guest as the President of United Product to lead the new beverage operations. Mr. Guest brings over a decade of experience in top executive leadership roles in the health care and health products industries, including recreational and functional beverages and total business lifecycle participation from start-up to generating multi-million dollar revenues and profitability.

Mr. Conte added, “Bill Nicholson is a powerhouse who brings decades of successful experience and unenumerable business and financing opportunities to the companies he advises. We are lucky to have him on the Company’s Board of Directors and also to be joined by Mr. Guest who brings the right operational experience and leadership to us at the right time.”

Subsequent to the acquisition of the beverage assets by United Product, the Company disposed of the entirety of its majority interest in VHB Kentucky, Inc., a Nevada corporation, in exchange for the cancellation of in excess of $400,000 of debt and ongoing negative cash flow obligations at its location in Frankfort, Kentucky.

About UPD Holding Corp.

UPD Holding Corp. is a publicly traded holding company in the health and wellness industry that conducts business through its primary operating subsidiaries, United Product Development Corp. and Vital Behavioral Health Inc.

Mark Conte, CEO & Director
(775) 829-7999

Notice About Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain "forward-looking statements", as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future, including but not limited to, the accomplishment of any of our plans listed for any acquisitions, production, marketing, products or product sales, and the timeliness within which such items may be accomplished, as referred to in this news release.

Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with acquisitions, product development and sale. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the beliefs, plans, expectations, and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and that which is made publicly available by us from time to time. No information in his press release should be construed in any way as an indication of the Company’s future revenues, financial condition, or stock price. 

FAQ

What is UPD Holding Corp.'s recent acquisition involving?

UPD Holding Corp. has acquired operating lines for specialty waters and functional beverages, costing $3.75 million.

Who has been appointed to the Board of Directors at UPD Holding Corp.?

Bill Nicholson has been appointed to the Board of Directors to provide strategic guidance.

What position has Jeff Guest taken at UPD Holding Corp.?

Jeff Guest has been named President of United Product to lead the new beverage operations.

How much debt has UPD Holding Corp. reduced through its divestment?

The company disposed of its interest in VHB Kentucky, reducing over $400,000 in debt.

What are the financial implications of UPD Holding Corp.'s acquisition?

The acquisition involves a total of $3.75 million, which might impact the company's financial resources.