Refresco set to acquire three Britvic bottling sites in France

Refresco has reportedly agreed to acquire three of Britvic’s juice bottling facilities in France, as it looks to grow its contract manufacturing operations.

Both companies have released statements announcing the potential purchase of the bottling sites in La-Roche-sur-Foron, Château-Thébaud and Nissan-lez-Enserune. Both companies state that the prospective transaction is subject to employee consultation and competition clearance.

According to Refresco, the prospective purchase will also include Britvic’s related retailer brands business, the Fruité juice brand and a long-term contract manufacturing agreement.

Britvic will retain ownership of the Pressade and Fruit Shoot brands in the French market, which would be manufactured by Refresco as part of the long-term manufacturing arrangement.

However, the transaction will not involve Britvic’s Teisseire and Moulin De Valdonne brands or its private label syrups business, which are all manufactured at the company’s remaining site in Crolles.

The proposed acquisition is subject to approval of the French competition authority and customary closing conditions. It is anticipated that the acquisition will not be completed until Spring 2020.

Hans Roelofs, CEO of Refresco Group 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.”

Olivier Mercier, Britvic’s managing director in France added: “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.”