Herbert Smith Freehills acted for Coca-Cola Hbc in Acquisition of Finlandia Vodka Brand
Coca-Cola HBC AG has received legal counsel from Herbert Smith Freehills, a prominent international law firm, regarding
Herbert Smith Freehills acted for Coca-Cola Hbc in Acquisition of Finlandia Vodka Brand
Coca-Cola HBC AG has received legal counsel from Herbert Smith Freehills, a prominent international law firm, regarding its acquisition agreement of Brown-Forman Finland Oy. The acquisition involves obtaining ownership of the renowned Finlandia vodka brand from Brown-Forman Corporation's wholly-owned subsidiary, Brown-Forman Netherlands BV.
Coca-Cola HBC's wholly-owned subsidiary, CC Beverages Holdings II BV, is set to acquire Brown-Forman Finland Oy, including the Finlandia vodka brand, for a total value of $220 million. The transaction is anticipated to conclude in the second half of 2023, pending regulatory approvals.
Coca-Cola HBC is a dynamic consumer packaged goods company with a focus on growth and serves as a strategic bottling partner for The Coca-Cola Company. The company boasts an extensive portfolio comprising leading beverage brands across various categories. Their offerings span sparkling beverages, juices, water, sports drinks, energy drinks, plant-based beverages, ready-to-drink tea and coffee, adult sparkling drinks, and premium spirits. Well-known brands in their lineup include Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, Schweppes, Kinley, Costa, Valser, Romerquelle, Fanta, Sprite, Powerade, Aquarius, Vitamin Water, FuzeTea, Cappy, Monster, Burn, Caffè Vergnano, and Adez.
Coca-Cola HBC is publicly listed with a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange and is also listed on the Athens Exchange.
Founded in 1970, Finlandia has emerged as a prominent vodka brand, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. It achieves an impressive annual volume of 2.7 million 9-liter cases worldwide, with over 60 percent of its sales originating from within Coca-Cola HBC's geographic reach. Coca-Cola HBC has been actively distributing Finlandia and other premium spirits brands for more than 17 years, and this acquisition will serve to enhance and reinforce its product portfolio across a broader range of markets.
Corporate partner Malcolm Lombers and counsel Martyn Jones took the lead in the Herbert Smith Freehills team, providing their expertise in the transaction. They were further supported by corporate partner Gavin Davies and senior associates Arijeet Mukherjee and Jessica Welborn.
This transaction serves as a testament to the firm's proficiency in leveraging its extensive knowledge of the consumer sector alongside its robust M&A capabilities.