The Russian drinks and dairy group, Wimm-Bill-Dann (WBD), has announced that it has acquired OOO Healing Spring, the company which produces the Essentuki brand mineral water, and OOO Geyser, which owns the Essentuki water wells, for around US$4.1m.

“With the acquisition of Essentuki, we are not just acquiring highest quality natural water wells, healing springs and bottling facilities at the source, but an excellent and well-known brand name,” said Michael Kondyrev who heads up Wimm-Bill-Dann’s mineral water division. “Essentuki is a welcome addition to our diverse portfolio of trusted and easily recognised brands.”

WBD was first linked with a possible acquisition of Essentuki in April, 2003.