Refresco, one of the world’s largest independent beverage manufacturers, has announced the acquisition of the Grüneberg mineral water facility in Brandenburg, Germany, from Berentzen-Gruppe subsidiary, Vivaris. This acquisition, expected to close by October 31, 2024, includes the water brands Märkisch Kristall and Grüneberg Quelle, further strengthening Refresco’s position in the German market.
Guido Kühne, Managing Director of Refresco Deutschland GmbH, emphasized the significance of this acquisition, noting that it aligns with the company's strategy of achieving full regional coverage in Germany. The Grüneberg facility, known for producing a variety of mineral waters and lemonades, will enhance Refresco’s brand and contract bottling business, while also providing access to the key Berlin/Brandenburg market. Kühne also expressed enthusiasm for integrating the experienced production team at Grüneberg into Refresco’s operations.
The acquisition of the Grüneberg site also includes a contract bottling agreement with Vivaris for the continued production of its Mio Mio brand, ensuring the brand’s availability in eastern Germany.
Oliver Schwegmann, CEO of Berentzen-Gruppe AG, expressed satisfaction with the transaction, highlighting that Refresco is a well-established company capable of maintaining the high standards at the Grüneberg facility.Continuing operations at the former Diebels site in Grüneberg was "not a viable option for us from an economic and strategic perspective," said Schwegmann. Although the sale required an adjustment of EUR 4.9 million, Berentzen has now exited the site, avoiding an estimated EUR 20 million in future investments.
This latest acquisition is part of Refresco’s broader expansion strategy, which has seen the company make significant moves globally. Last month, Refresco acquired Spanish plant-based drinks maker Frías Nutrición, expanding its footprint in the rapidly growing plant-based beverage sector.
In addition, the company made notable acquisitions in 2022, including the purchase of Avandis, a leading alcoholic beverage bottler in the Netherlands, and Tru Blu Beverages, one of Australia’s top non-alcoholic beverage manufacturers (inside.beer, 14.10.2022).
In 2021, Refresco first acquired Hansa-Heeman, a major German mineral water and CSD company (inside.beer, 8.7.2021) and one month later Southeast Bottling & Beverage (SEBB), a ready to drink manufacturer and according to its website “the leader in the beverage co-packing industry” based in Dade City, Florida. Also in August 2021, Refrecso entered into an agreement with The Coca-Cola Company to buy three production facilities in the United States (inside.beer, 5.8.2021).
Refresco’s aggressive expansion strategy, supported by its majority stakeholder, private equity firm KKR, has seen the company grow rapidly over the past few years. With over 70 production sites across Europe, North America, and now Australia, Refresco continues to position itself as a global leader in the beverage industry, with more than 10,000 employees worldwide.
https://www.inside-getraenke.de/nachrichten/detail/news/kopf-der-woche-oliver-schwegmann/
2024-08-23, Germany: Refresco Acquires Grüneberg Mineral Water Site
Continuing Operations Was "Not a Viable Option” for Berentzen
Refresco, one of the world’s largest independent beverage manufacturers, has announced the acquisition of the Grüneberg mineral water facility in Brandenburg, Germany, from Berentzen-Gruppe subsidiary, Vivaris. This acquisition, expected to close by October 31, 2024, includes the water brands Märkisch Kristall and Grüneberg Quelle, further strengthening Refresco’s position in the German market.
Guido Kühne, Managing Director of Refresco Deutschland GmbH, emphasized the significance of this acquisition, noting that it aligns with the company's strategy of achieving full regional coverage in Germany. The Grüneberg facility, known for producing a variety of mineral waters and lemonades, will enhance Refresco’s brand and contract bottling business, while also providing access to the key Berlin/Brandenburg market. Kühne also expressed enthusiasm for integrating the experienced production team at Grüneberg into Refresco’s operations.
The acquisition of the Grüneberg site also includes a contract bottling agreement with Vivaris for the continued production of its Mio Mio brand, ensuring the brand’s availability in eastern Germany.
Oliver Schwegmann, CEO of Berentzen-Gruppe AG, expressed satisfaction with the transaction, highlighting that Refresco is a well-established company capable of maintaining the high standards at the Grüneberg facility.Continuing operations at the former Diebels site in Grüneberg was "not a viable option for us from an economic and strategic perspective," said Schwegmann. Although the sale required an adjustment of EUR 4.9 million, Berentzen has now exited the site, avoiding an estimated EUR 20 million in future investments.
This latest acquisition is part of Refresco’s broader expansion strategy, which has seen the company make significant moves globally. Last month, Refresco acquired Spanish plant-based drinks maker Frías Nutrición, expanding its footprint in the rapidly growing plant-based beverage sector.
In addition, the company made notable acquisitions in 2022, including the purchase of Avandis, a leading alcoholic beverage bottler in the Netherlands, and Tru Blu Beverages, one of Australia’s top non-alcoholic beverage manufacturers (inside.beer, 14.10.2022).
In 2021, Refresco first acquired Hansa-Heeman, a major German mineral water and CSD company (inside.beer, 8.7.2021) and one month later Southeast Bottling & Beverage (SEBB), a ready to drink manufacturer and according to its website “the leader in the beverage co-packing industry” based in Dade City, Florida. Also in August 2021, Refrecso entered into an agreement with The Coca-Cola Company to buy three production facilities in the United States (inside.beer, 5.8.2021).
Refresco’s aggressive expansion strategy, supported by its majority stakeholder, private equity firm KKR, has seen the company grow rapidly over the past few years. With over 70 production sites across Europe, North America, and now Australia, Refresco continues to position itself as a global leader in the beverage industry, with more than 10,000 employees worldwide.
https://www.inside-getraenke.de/nachrichten/detail/news/kopf-der-woche-oliver-schwegmann/