Private equity powerhouse KKR has agreed to acquire majority control of beverage contract manufacturer Refresco.
The transaction, announced by the US-based investment group today, is for an unspecified size and sum. Refresco, which produces soft drinks not only for brand owners but also for the likes of multiple retailers, will retain its existing investors, PAI Partners and British Columbia Investment Management Corp, each of whom will retain “significant minority” holdings.
The Netherlands-headquartered drinks group, which has been snapping up unwanted production facilities from companies including The Coca-Cola Co and Britvic in recent years, posted annual sales of just over EUR4bn (US$4.67bn) in 2020.
According to the two companies, KKR will support Refresco’s expansion programme going forward.
“Refresco has established itself as an industry leader supporting the global beverage industry with … an impressive network of assets that provides compelling value to customers,” said KKR partner James Cunningham. “We look forward to leveraging our operational expertise from across the KKR platform to support the company’s continued growth and further advance the sustainability of its value chain.”
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Refresco CEO Hans Roelofs added: “We have explored the various alternatives available to us and believe that the investment by KKR is an incredibly positive development for the company. KKR … will bring operational expertise, access to capital and a well-established network to support us in our growth, innovation and M&A strategy.”
As well as producing for third parties, Refresco is also a brand owner in its own right: The company’s US$1.25bn purchase of Cott Corp four years ago also included the Old Jamaica CSD range.
