GERMANY: Wild ties with KKR to boost finance

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 27 January 2010

Wild, the flavours firm and Capri Sun juice drinks maker, has sold shares in its business to private equity company KKR as it prepares for a public listing.

The Germany-based natural flavours firm announced today (27 January) that the move will increase its access to finance, to help it grow the business as it prepares to sell shares to the public.

“KKR is a strong partner with extensive global expertise and will assist Wild in its focused expansion and strengthening of our businesses going forward” said Wild owner Dr. Hans-Peter Wild.

“In extending its reach, Wild will target foreign markets relying on KKR to support its financial positions and create new growth potential through its global network and acquisition.”

The deal includes subsidiaries in a total of 11 countries. It has been agreed that the operational business will continue to be managed by the Wild management team.

After the transfer of shares of the German business, KKR and Wild plan to form a global flavours business in which Hans-Peter Wild will hold a majority stake, Wild said.

Wild was founded in 1931. The company’s most successful beverage is Libella, a natural soft drink sold in Germany.

Sectors: Soft drinks, Water