Danish multinational brewer Carlsberg has been greenlit for a £3.3billion takeover of Hemel Hempstead-based soft drinks producer Britvic.
Britvic was founded in the 1930s in Chelmsford but moved to its corporate headquarters in Breakspear Park in 2012. It is best known for producing J20, Tango, Robinsons and R. White’s lemonade.
The firm also holds an exclusive licence with US partner PepsiCo to make and sell brands such as Pepsi, 7Up and Lipton iced tea in the UK.
In July last year, Carlsberg and Britvic agreed to bring their portfolios together. Two months later, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an ‘invitation to comment’, followed by a formal investigation.
This comes after the British producer rejected two bids, one at £2.9billion and one at £3.1billion, from the Danish brewery in June last year.
On Tuesday, December 17, the CMA cleared the anticipated acquisition. The full decision will be published shortly, with the deal expected to be complete on Thursday, January 16.
The green light has paved the way for what is expected to be the year’s biggest takeover deal, at a whopping £3.3billion.
It is expected that, once the sale is complete, Britvic will be combined with the operations of the Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company.
A Carlsberg spokesperson told HEMELnews: “We’re delighted to have received all necessary regulatory clearances and, subject to the satisfaction of the court, we look forward to completing the transaction in January 2025.
“We believe the combination of Carlsberg and Britvic will create a highly attractive multi-beverage supplier in the UK, with an efficient supply chain and distribution network that provides our customers with a portfolio of market leading brands and world-class service.”
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