Refresco in talks to acquire Britvic’s juice bottling facilities in France

Dutch juice and soft drink bottler Refresco is currently holding negotiations to acquire three juice bottling facilities in France from British soft drinks producer Britvic.

The three facilities, which are part of the deal, are located at La-Roche-sur-Foron, Château-Thébaud and Nissan-lez-Enserune.

Refresco Group CEO Hans Roelofs said: “France is an important market for Refresco and with this acquisition, we create better national coverage and consequently further potential to serve customers’ demands.

“We currently provide Britvic with contract manufacturing services in Benelux and in the UK. This acquisition in France further strengthens our relationship.”

The company added that the deal is part of its strategy to increase the contract manufacturing business.

In addition to facilities, the deal includes associated retailer brands business, Fruité juice brand and a long-term contract manufacturing agreement.

Financial details of the deal are yet to be divulged by either company.

Completion of the deal is subject to the approval of the French competition authority and customary closing conditions.

Britvic France managing director Olivier Mercier said: “This proposed transaction with Refresco allows Britvic to continue our leadership in our core syrups business while ensuring the optimal development of our flagship brands for children’s drinks and juices, Fruit Shoot and Pressade.”

Last February, Refresco completed the acquisition of Cott’s beverage manufacturing business for $1.25bn.

With the acquisition, the company doubled its production capacities by approximately 12 billion litres annually. The deal closed after Refresco obtained approvals from competition authorities in the US and Canada.