AUSTRALIA – Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) the largest bottler for Coca-Cola, has announced the sale of Feral Brewing Company to a joint venture comprised of Nail Brewing and a consortium of investors.
This strategic move will see the Feral brand and its employees transition to the new ownership, while Beerfarm, another independent Western Australian brewery, will purchase all of Feral’s assets to ensure continued production of Feral products.
This move comes after a strategic review by CCEP Australia, which concluded that Feral Brewing would be better positioned for future growth under new ownership. CCEP will maintain its focus on its core business of bottling Coca-Cola products.
“The sale of Feral Brewing Company will ensure Feral is ideally positioned for the next exciting phase of growth, while enabling us to focus on our core NARTD portfolio,” said Orlando Rodriguez, Managing Director of CCEP Australia.
Rodriguez further highlighted the capabilities of the purchasers, stating, “The purchasers possess the attributes to deliver the necessary scale to achieve long-term sustainable growth for the Feral business, and just as importantly, to continue to invest in the development and growth of the Feral team.”
Both Beerfarm and Nail Brewing are well-established independent breweries in Western Australia with a robust presence in the local brewing industry.
Feral Brewing has been contract brewing for both companies at its Bassendean site, a relationship that will continue under the new ownership. This continued collaboration aims to support and expand the Feral brand and increase production volumes at the Bassendean facility.
CCEP Australia acquired Feral Brewing in 2018 and expressed pride in the brewery’s performance and its team’s contribution to the brand’s success.
The transaction is expected to be completed in June, with CCEP working closely with the new owners to ensure a smooth transition for employees, customers, suppliers, and the Feral brand.
CCEP appoints Ed Walker as new CFO
In a concurrent announcement, CCEP has appointed Ed Walker as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), following the planned resignation of Nik Jhangiani.
Ed, who has been with CCEP since its formation, brings over 30 years of finance leadership experience. He previously served as Group Controller of CCEP and has previously held several roles in the Coca-Cola system, including CFO of the Coca-Cola bottler in Canada.
Damian Gammell, CEO of CCEP said, “Ed has fantastic and broad finance experience across the Coca-Cola system. I have worked with him for many years so I know he will continue to drive the business forward. He will be a great addition to the executive team and I wish him all the best in his new well-deserved role.”
Ed will assume the role of CFO on July 1, with Jhangiani supporting the transition until August and through the reporting of CCEP’s half-year results.
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