By combining Refresco’s European operations and Cott’s focus in the UK and North America, Refresco now has 59 facilities in 12 countries with more than 9,500 employees.
The closing of the $1.25bn acquisition follows the approval of Refresco shareholders and approval from competition authorities in the US and Canada. Integration of the two companies will start immediately in North America
In the UK, approval from the competition authority is conditional on the sale of the aseptic-PET facility in Nelson, and Refresco and Cott will continue to operate separately in the UK until this has been completed.
Refresco now has 22 manufacturing sites in the US, four in Canada, one in Mexico, 26 in continental Europe, and six in the UK.
Hans Roelofs, CEO, Refresco, said the combined business will create an increasingly international focus for the company and its employees. “The company has a well-balanced portfolio with exposure to all categories for retailers and a strengthened contract manufacturing exposure with unique geographical spread for branded beverage companies,” he said.
“With its increased scale, Refresco will have greater opportunities to invest in innovation, to further optimize our business and achieve profitable growth. I look forward to welcoming our new colleagues in the US, Canada, UK, and Mexico and to the exciting opportunities ahead."
Headquarted in the Netherlands, Refresco is the world’s largest independent bottler of beverages for retailers and A-brands, with products including fruit juice, carbonated soft drinks and mineral water.