The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has given the green light to Carlsberg’s £3.3bn acquisition of soft drinks maker Britvic.
The UK’s competition regulator launched a formal investigation of the takeover in October, three months after it was announced. The CMA stated today that it had cleared the deal after deciding not to refer it to an in-depth probe.
It was also confirmed that the transaction has received clearance from the European Commission.
Carlsberg has previously stated that the acquisition would allow it to combine Britvic’s soft drinks products with its own beer offering, creating a beverage “powerhouse” in the UK and elsewhere in Europe.
The deal, which is expected to close on 16 January, will see the Danish brewer rolling its Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) business into that of Britvic to create a single integrated beverage company in the UK called Carlsberg Britvic. It will be led by a management team comprised of individuals from Carlsberg, CMBC, and Britvic.
Following the CMA’s announcement, a spokesperson for Carlsberg said: “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.”
NAM Implications:
- Thus ends the uncertainty…
- Leaving Carlsberg to focus on showing that the purchase was worthwhile…
- …allowing it to combine Britvic’s soft drinks products with its own beer offering…
- …creating a beverage “powerhouse” in the UK and elsewhere in Europe.
- Watch this space…
