Carlsberg Acquires Britvic for £3.3 Billion

Carlsberg has acquired Britvic, the UK-based soft drinks maker, for £3.3 billion to diversify its portfolio amid declining alcohol consumption among Gen Z. The deal, which includes a 36% premium on Britvic's share price and a special dividend, aims to combine Carlsberg's beer offerings with Britvic's non-alcoholic beverages like Pepsi and 7UP. This strategic move aligns with Carlsberg's goal to expand in Western Europe and capitalize on the growing demand for low and no-alcohol drinks. The transaction also strengthens Carlsberg's relationship with PepsiCo, securing long-term bottling agreements. The acquisition, which requires regulatory and shareholder approval, is expected to close in Q1 2025, with anticipated annual cost savings of £100 million over five years.