Refresco announces acquisition of HANSA-HEEMANN, a major German mineral water and CSD company

Refresco, one of the world’s largest independent bottlers for retailers and A-brands in Europe and North America, today announces it has entered into an agreement to acquire HANSA-HEEMANN. This transaction is subject to regulatory approval.

HANSA-HEEMANN, headquartered in Rellingen, Germany, is a family-owned, independent beverage manufacturer with five production sites spread across Germany. Its operational excellence, industry expertise and integrated value chain enable HANSA-HEEMANN to offer customers best-in-class service. The vast majority of HANSA-HEEMANN’s volume (60 %) is in mineral water, with the remaining 40 % of its volume in carbonated soft drinks (CSD). HANSA-HEEMANN serves three different market segments: private label, own brands, and contract manufacturing for A-brands. HANSA-HEEMANN employs over 800 people with an annual revenue of approximately €300 million.

Strategic rationale

Today’s announcement is a continuation of Refresco’s successful buy-and-build strategy which is a key driver of the company’s ongoing growth and value creation. With this acquisition, Refresco further enhances its position in terms of product and brand portfolio, and geographical coverage.

Acquiring HANSA-HEEMANN will bring Refresco:

• Diversification of its business with additional products and capabilities, while maintaining a well-balanced business mix and customer base
• Strong brands such as Fūrst Bismarck, hella and St. Michaelis
• Expansion of its offering in water and CSDs
• Increased presence in Germany, now offering nationwide coverage to retail customers
• Acceleration of its operational excellence through HANSA-HEEMANN’s know-how in the water category

A changing market

Water is the largest category within the non-alcoholic beverage market. The landscape is highly competitive and rapidly changing with many smaller local and regional players who maintain a strong foothold. Branded players with a wide range of water products are looking for opportunities to grow with retail discounters.

In addition, the focus on sustainability continues resulting in for example, increased demand for recycled PET and reduction in operational carbon footprint.

Within this highly competitive and changing market, the acquisition of HANSA-HEEMANN will enable Refresco to enhance its presence in Germany – not only broadening relationships with German retailers, but also improving transport efficiencies and reducing CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, Refresco will be able to leverage its global scale to further drive change in improving the sustainable use of resources.