Lion Capital and Blackstone buyout of the European Beverages Division of Cadbury Schweppes

In February 2006 Lion Capital and Blackstone Group acquired the European Beverages Division of Cadbury Schweppes plc. The beverages division, formally known as “CSEB” and now “Orangina SAS”, was acquired for US$1.85 billion.

According to the press release:

“Orangina SAS’” is the number three player in the European soft drinks market with sales volumes of 1.8 billion litres and turnover of almost €960 million.

“Orangina SAS’” principal products are carbonated soft drinks, mineral waters and still drinks. Its main brands are Schweppes, Orangina, TriNa, Oasis and La Casera, which account for around 75% of sales. Other brands include Apollinaris, Pampryl, Gini and Vida. Products are sold across Continental Europe, with some sales in the UK, parts of North and West Africa and the Middle East. Sales are concentrated in three countries, France, Spain and Germany, which account for around 85% of total sales.

The business has wholly owned bottling operations in Germany, Spain, Portugal and Belgium and a production arrangement with San Benedetto in France. In other countries, the business operates through licence agreements with third party manufacturers and distributors. The business has around 3,000 employees.”