GERMANY – Refresco, a global independent beverage solutions provider with operations across Europe, North America, and Australia, has announced the acquisition of Vivaris GmbH & Co KG from Berentzen-Gruppe AG.
The deal includes the acquisition of the Grüneberg production site and the mineral water brands ‘Märkisch Kristall’ and ‘Grüneberg Quelle’.
The transaction is expected to be finalized by October 31, 2024.
As part of the acquisition, Refresco and Vivaris have entered into a contract bottling agreement to continue producing the Vivaris brand Mio Mio.
This collaboration ensures the ongoing availability of Mio Mio products in eastern Germany, particularly in the greater Berlin/Brandenburg area.
Oliver Schwegmann, CEO of Berentzen-Gruppe AG, stated, “With Refresco Deutschland, we have found an established and respected company in the beverage industry as a buyer. The continuation of business operations at the Grüneberg site was our top priority. We are also pleased with the new contract filling partnership with Refresco for our Mio Mio brand products.”
Refresco Deutschland GmbH’s Managing Director, Guido Kühne, highlighted, “This acquisition marks an important step in the further expansion of our branded and contract bottling business. The Grüneberg site not only offers excellent source capacity but also enhances our access to the Berlin/Brandenburg region, completing our strategy of full regional coverage in Germany.”
The Grüneberg facility boasts a production capacity of up to 100 million liters of beverages per year, strengthening Refresco’s position in the German market.
This acquisition follows Refresco’s recent purchase of Frías Nutrición from Alantra Private Equity and the founding family.
Frías, based in Burgos, Spain, is a leading manufacturer of plant-based drinks, including almond, rice, hazelnut, and soy beverages.
Although the financial details of the Frías transaction were not disclosed, the deal is expected to close later this year.
Additionally, Refresco has successfully secured a EUR 400 million (US$444.84M) Term Loan B, which will be used to repay borrowings under its Revolving Credit Facility, repay EUR 100 million (US111M) of its existing EUR Term Loan B, and increase cash reserves.
The maturity date for the new loan remains July 2029, consistent with existing facilities.
Furthermore, Refresco has increased its Revolving Credit Facility by EUR 125 million (US139M), bringing it to a total of EUR 625 million (US$695M).
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