Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Completes $1.8bn Joint Acquisition
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has successfully wrapped up its joint acquisition venture with SAP Fbo ABOITIZ EQUITY VENTURES INC. (AEV), acquiring Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines (CCBPI) for a substantial $1.8 billion. This strategic move further solidifies CCEP's foothold in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in the burgeoning markets of Southeast Asia. With the acquisition of CCBPI, CCEP now stands as the world's largest Coca-Cola bottler, both by volume and revenue.
The Philippines, being the second-largest market in Southeast Asia, presents immense growth opportunities with its stable GDP growth and flourishing middle class. The soft drinks market, estimated at $8 billion, promises a 10% annual growth in value.
Coca-Cola Philippines has an extensive infrastructure with 19 manufacturing plants and around 9,000 employees. Their diverse portfolio, including global giants like Coca-Cola and Sprite, generated revenues of $1.7 billion in 2022. CCEP's acquisition of CCBPI is driven by a multi-point strategy: diversification opportunity, leveraging an established business in a high-growth market, sharing best practices and talent, strengthening partnerships, and furthering collaboration with The Coca-Cola Company.
CCEP's CEO, Damian Gammell, expressed optimism about the acquisition, citing it as a pivotal move in advancing CCEP's long-term transformation strategy in Indonesia. With solid financial results for 2023, including revenue growth of 5.5% and an operating profit increase of 11%, CCEP is set for sustained growth and resilience amidst macroeconomic challenges.
He also added: “We are well placed for FY24 and beyond. We are stronger and better, more diverse and robust, and our categories remain resilient despite ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical volatility. We continue to actively manage our pricing and promotional spend to remain relevant to our consumers, balancing affordability and premiumisation. Along with our focus on productivity, this will all ultimately drive our free cash flow.
This acquisition not only positions CCEP as a market leader but further underscores its commitment to sustainable and stronger growth through diversification and scale. By leveraging synergies and fostering local partnerships, CCEP aims to drive sustainable growth in the dynamic Asia Pacific market.
SALES MANAGER en Bunge
3moAmazing strides