Photo Credit: Reuters
Carlsberg has finalized a deal to purchase Britvic, the British soft drinks maker, for $4.2 billion. Additionally, Carlsberg will buy out UK pub group Marston’s from their joint venture, signaling a strategic shift towards integrating beer and soft drinks operations in the UK.
The acquisition aims to bolster Carlsberg’s collaboration with PepsiCo, which has existing bottling agreements with both Carlsberg and Britvic. Carlsberg raised its bid to 1,315 pence per share, including cash and a special dividend, after Britvic rejected a previous offer last month.
Marston’s, on the other hand, will sell its 40% stake in Carlsberg Marston’s Limited for £206 million in cash. This move underscores Carlsberg’s strategy to diversify into categories such as cider, hard lemonade, seltzers, and ready-to-drink cocktails, tapping into evolving consumer preferences beyond traditional beers.
The deal values Britvic at GBP3.3 billion ($4.2 billion) and is expected to enhance Carlsberg’s presence in Western Europe, building upon its Nordic bottling operations. Following the agreement, shares of Britvic rose 5% to 1,266 pence, while Carlsberg’s shares increased by 3.3%.
This acquisition marks a significant expansion for Carlsberg, solidifying its position in the UK market and strengthening its portfolio across beverages.
