Coca-Cola bottler CCEP to buy Coke’s Philippines business for $1.8 bln.

Coca-Cola bottler CCEP to buy Coke's Philippines business for $1.8 bln.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and Aboitiz Equity Ventures Team Up for $1.8 Billion Acquisition in the Philippines

Coca-Cola Bottles

Aug 2 (ANBLE) – In an effort to become the world’s largest Coca-Cola bottler by revenue and volumes, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEPC.L) announced on Wednesday its intention to jointly acquire Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines with Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) for a whopping $1.8 billion.

This exciting deal, conducted in cash, will be structured with a 60:40 ownership split between CCEP and the Philippines conglomerate Aboitiz. Both companies have signed a non-binding term sheet and are currently engaged in advanced discussions, paving the way for a potential joint transaction.

CCEP, which currently bottles and sells Coca-Cola products in Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, is eyeing the expansion of its global presence through this acquisition. By taking over Coca-Cola’s Philippines business, CCEP aims to solidify its position as the frontrunner in the bottling industry.

Apart from the acquisition, CCEP also revealed that they project a slight delay in their earlier forecast to return to the top-end of their net debt to adjusted core profit range of 2.5-3 times by the end of 2023. The updated timeline now points to achieving this goal by 2024. This adjustment is a reflection of the company’s focus on securing a successful integration and smooth transition in the wake of their expanding operations.

This ambitious move by CCEP aligns with their strategic mission to enhance their global presence and bolster their financial standing. By tapping into emerging markets like the Philippines, they aim to capitalize on opportunities for growth and secure a dominant position in the global beverage industry.

Becoming the Dominant Player

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) is a major player in the bottling industry, distributing and selling Coca-Cola products across multiple regions. With its strong presence in Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, the company has already established itself as a force to be reckoned with.

However, to solidify its position as the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the world, CCEP is setting its sights on expanding into new territories. The partnership with Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) marks a significant step in this direction, as they jointly target the lucrative market in the Philippines.

The Philippines is an attractive market for the beverage industry, with a population of over 100 million people and a rapidly growing middle class. Consumption of carbonated drinks, including Coca-Cola products, has been steadily rising, and the potential for further growth is immense. By acquiring Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, CCEP aims to tap into this potential and establish a strong foothold in the country.

The Power of Partnership

In order to successfully navigate the complexities of entering a new market, CCEP has chosen to form a strategic partnership with Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV), a renowned conglomerate in the Philippines. This collaboration brings together the expertise, resources, and networks of both companies, creating a powerful synergy that can drive long-term success.

By adopting a 60:40 ownership structure with Aboitiz, CCEP ensures a balanced and mutually beneficial partnership. Aboitiz’s deep local knowledge and strong presence in the Philippines will prove invaluable in navigating regulatory processes and cultural nuances, while CCEP brings its global experience and best practices to the table.

This partnership is not just about financial investment; it represents a shared vision of growth and a commitment to delivering quality products and experiences to consumers in the Philippines. By combining their strengths, CCEP and Aboitiz are well-positioned to become the leading player in the local bottling industry.

Timeline Adjustment for Long-Term Success

Achieving financial stability and sustainable growth is a crucial aspect of any strategic expansion. In light of their ambitious plans, CCEP has adjusted its timeline for returning to the top-end of its net debt to adjusted core profit range.

Originally aiming to achieve this goal by the end of 2023, CCEP now acknowledges that integrating the newly acquired business in the Philippines will require additional time and resources. As a result, they expect to reach their desired debt to profit ratio by 2024.

This adjustment is not a setback but rather a strategic decision to ensure a smooth and successful integration process. By allocating the necessary time and resources, CCEP aims to foster a seamless transition, maximizing the benefits of the acquisition and positioning themselves for long-term success.

Unlocking New Opportunities

CCEP’s planned acquisition of Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines in partnership with Aboitiz Equity Ventures opens up exciting opportunities for growth and expansion. By entering the dynamic Philippine market, CCEP can tap into a large consumer base hungry for quality beverages.

Furthermore, this move positions CCEP as a global leader in the bottling industry, strengthening its competitive advantage and setting the stage for further expansions into other emerging markets.

As the partnership between CCEP and Aboitiz takes shape, the stage is set for an exciting chapter in the Coca-Cola story. With their shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and superior consumer experiences, CCEP and Aboitiz are poised to create a new era of success in the Philippines and beyond.