The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO), together with Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: KOFL) (NYSE: KOF), announces that it has entered into an agreement with Unilever (LN: ULVR) to acquire Unilever's AdeS soy-based beverage business for an aggregate amount of US$ 575 million.
Founded in 1988 in Argentina, AdeS is the leading soy-based beverages brand in Latin America. As the first major brand launched in the category, AdeS pioneered the development of the second largest global market for soy-based beverages. The AdeS brand currently has a presence in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia. During 2015, AdeS sold 56.2 million unit cases of beverages and generated net revenues of US$ 284 million.
"The acquisition of AdeS marks another milestone for the Coca-Cola system in providing increased choice of nutritious and delicious products to our consumers. AdeS is a leading brand in its category and we are very excited to add it to our stills portfolio. This continues the successful joint venture partnerships with our Latin American bottling partners and brings more innovative offerings to our markets," said Brian Smith, President, Latin America Group, The Coca-Cola Company.
"AdeS complements and reinforces our non-carbonated beverage portfolio offer, providing our consumers with a wider range of choices. Together with our partner, The Coca-Cola Company, we will leverage the leading position of the AdeS brand, integrating it into our robust route-to-market model to drive value and further innovation on this new beverage platform," said John Santa Maria, Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola FEMSA.
"This sale is a step in reshaping our portfolio in Latin America to deliver sustainable growth for Unilever and enables us to sharpen our focus. AdeS is an iconic brand and we believe that its potential can be fully realized within the Coca-Cola system", said Miguel Kozuszok, EVP, Latin America, Unilever
This transaction has been approved by the Boards of Directors of The Coca-Cola Company, Coca-Cola FEMSA, and Unilever, and is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Post completion, it is intended that the AdeS business will become part of the non-carbonated beverage platforms that Coca-Cola FEMSA shares with The Coca-Cola Company in its franchise territories. In all other territories, The Coca-Cola Company will work with its local bottling partners to develop AdeS in those markets through similar non-carbonated beverage partnership arrangements.
About the Companies
About The Coca-Cola Company:
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands and more than 3,800 beverage choices. Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world's most valuable and recognizable brands, our company's portfolio features 20 billion-dollar brands, 18 of which are available in reduced-, low- or no-calorie options. Our billion-dollar brands include Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, Fanta, Sprite, Dasani, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Del Valle, Georgia and Gold Peak. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, we are the No. 1 provider of both sparkling and still beverages. More than 1.9 billion servings of our beverages are enjoyed by consumers in more than 200 countries each day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates. For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.
About Coca-Cola FEMSA:
Stock listing information: Mexican Stock Exchange, Ticker: KOFL | NYSE (ADR), Ticker: KOF | Ratio of KOF L to KOF = 10:1
Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A.B. de C.V. produces and distributes Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Del Valle, and other trademark beverages of The Coca-Cola Company in Mexico (a substantial part of central Mexico, including Mexico City, as well as southeast and northeast Mexico), Guatemala (Guatemala City and surrounding areas), Nicaragua (nationwide), Costa Rica (nationwide), Panama (nationwide), Colombia (most of the country), Venezuela (nationwide), Brazil (greater São Paulo, Campiñas, Santos, the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, the state of Paraná, part of the state of Goias, part of the state of Rio de Janeiro and part of the state of Minas Gerais), Argentina (federal capital of Buenos Aires and surrounding areas) and Philippines (nationwide), along with bottled water, juices, teas, isotonics, beer, and other beverages in some of these territories. The Company has 63 bottling facilities and serves more than 358 million consumers through 2,800,000 retailers with more than 100 ,000 employees worldwide.
