CUB buys majority stake in BCB Beverages
said that its Carlton & United Breweries subsidiary has
purchased a 65 per cent stake in BCB Beverages Australia for A$7.2
million (€4.3m), including debt.
Foster's Group, the Australian beer, wine and leisure company, has said that its Carlton & United Breweries subsidiary has purchased a 65 per cent stake in BCB Beverages Australia for A$7.2 million (€4.3m), including debt.
BCB Beverages specialises in the manufacture and packaging of premixed spirit drinks, known as ready-to-drink, or RTDs, as well as carbonated soft drinks.
CUB will use the facility to manufacture its core RTD brands including Cougar Bourbon and The Black Douglas Scotch.
Foster's chief executive Ted Kunkel recently said the company will make acquisitions in the RTD segment because it is a high-growth part of the beverages market.
Foster's said the BCB Beverages transaction will further strengthen CUB's spirits arm, The Continental Spirits Co., and is expected to be earnings a share "enhancing" immediately, delivering a premium over the group's cost of capital.
"The purchase of this production facility further positions CUB to maximise the growth opportunity in RTDs, which is currently the fastest growing alcohol sector in Australia," said CUB Managing Director James King.
"The facility gives CUB the flexibility and competitiveness to respond to ever-changing consumer preferences for RTD products, which can be leveraged through the combined distribution systems of CUB, Continental Spirits and BCB, providing access to more than 90 per cent of Australia's liquor retailers," King said.
BCB Beverages is located in outer suburban Melbourne.
Foster's said existing BCB Beverages management holds the remaining 35 per cent of the business, which will be acquired by CUB in three years as part of a management workout and incentive arrangement.
