Carlsberg completes Britvic acquisition

Danish brewer Carlsberg has completed its acquisition of soft drinks specialist Britvic in a deal worth £3.3b. 

 

The merger between the beverage giants was agreed in July after weeks of negotiations that saw Britvic reject Carlsberg’s first two bids.

 

After receiving approval from the CMA and a court-sanctioned scheme, the acquisition has resulted in the creation of Carlsberg Britvic, now the largest multi-beverage supplier in the UK, making the UK Carlsberg Group’s largest market by revenue in the world.

 

Carlsberg Britvic’s national footprint brings together Carlsberg Marston Brewing Company’s breweries and in-house secondary logistics operation – encompassing 15 depots servicing customers across the UK – with Britvic’s packaging and production capabilities.

 

Across soft drinks, beer, and cider, Carlsberg Britvic will be home to well-known names such as Pepsi Max, 7up, Tango, Robinsons, J2O and Fruit Shoot, as well as breakthrough brands including the plant-powered Plenish range and Jimmy’s Iced Coffee.

 

These will sit alongside Carlsberg Danish Pilsner, as well as 1664, Birrificio Angelo Poretti and Brooklyn Brewery beers, and British ales such as Hobgoblin, Pedigree and Wainwright.

 

The deal has seen Carlsberg strengthen its existing relationship with PepsiCo, becoming its largest bottling partner in Europe.

 

Paul Davies, formerly chief executive of Carlsberg Marston Brewing Company, has become the chief executive of the new Carlsberg Britvic.

 

Davies said: “Carlsberg Britvic combines the fantastic qualities of both businesses and our shared ambition to grow the UK beverage category through our unique proposition across soft drinks, beer and cider. We are all eager to build a successful future together as we create new opportunities, integrate our operations and continue to deliver excellent choice, product quality and service to our customers.”

 

The transaction brings together an experienced management team from both businesses. Davies will be supported in his role by the new Carlsberg Britvic executive team, comprising:

 

•             Tom Smethers, chief financial officer

•             Ben Parker, VP sales – off trade

•             Chris Pratt, VP sales – on trade

•             Bruce Dallas, VP commercial growth

•             Russell Goldman, managing director breakthrough brands

•             Nigel Paine, VP production

•             Sarah Perry, VP customer supply chain

•             Munnawar Chishty, VP marketing

•             Deborah Preston, VP human resources

•             Kathryn Partridge, VP corporate affairs and sustainability

•             Chris Hancock, VP transformation and integration

 

Carlsberg Group chief executive Jacob Aarup-Andersen said: “The Britvic acquisition is a pivotal milestone in the history of Carlsberg as we deepen our commitment to the UK market and write an ambitious next chapter in our growth story.

 

“Soft drinks is an attractive category that also brings significant synergies in combination with beer. Britvic is a large-scale, well-established business with a strong portfolio of much-loved own and partnership brands that has consistently delivered strong results.”