TORONTO, Nov 17, 2008 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) --
SunOpta Inc. (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) today announced that the Company's Audit Committee have appointed Deloitte & Touche LLP ("D&T") to serve as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm. This decision was taken after a careful and thoughtful assessment of three engagement proposals received from independent registered international public accounting firms including the Company's former auditors.
Jeremy Kendall, Chairman of the Board of Directors commented, "We are most pleased to engage Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm. Collectively the Deloitte Canada and U.S. firms represent one of the largest networks of audit, tax and financial services advisory resources firms in North America, supported by a world wide professional services platform. After a careful assessment we have selected D&T based on
its outstanding reputation for quality service and technical expertise, all delivered in a cost effective manner."
The details of this appointment and the resignation of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP were disclosed on Form 8-K filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at the close of business on Friday, November 14, 2008. These filings include reference to previously disclosed reportable events related to internal controls over financial reporting as at December 31, 2007, as well as reference to the Company's ongoing initiatives to transition the control environment at The Organic Corporation B.V. ("Tradin Organics") as it shifts from a private Dutch company to a subsidiary of a public company. A copy of the Form 8-K can be accessed under the Company's filings at www.sec.gov or www.sedar.com.
About SunOpta Inc.
SunOpta Inc. is an operator of
high-growth ethical businesses, focusing on integrated business models in the natural and organic food and natural health markets. The Company has three business units: the SunOpta Food Group, which specializes in sourcing, processing and distribution of natural and organic food products integrated from seed through packaged products; Opta Minerals Inc. (TSX:OPM) (66.6% owned by SunOpta), a producer, distributor, and recycler of environmentally friendly industrial materials; and SunOpta BioProcess Inc. which engineers and markets proprietary steam explosion technology systems for the bio-fuel, pulp and food processing industries. Each of these business units has proprietary products and services that give it a solid competitive advantage in its sector.
The SunOpta Inc. logo is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3958
This news release was
distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com
SOURCE: SunOpta Inc.
SunOpta Inc.
Jeremy N. Kendall, Chairman
Steve Bromley, President & CEO
John Dietrich, Vice President & CFO
Tony Tavares, Chief Operating Officer
Susan Wiekenkamp, Information Officer
905-455-2528, ext 103
susan.wiekenkamp@sunopta.com
www.sunopta.com
(C) Copyright 2008 GlobeNewswire, Inc. All rights reserved.
News Provided by COMTEX