The combined business will be called Carlsberg Britvic. The group’s new corporate identity will be revealed next week before being rolled out across the business as part of the integration of its operations in the UK.
Former CEO of Carlsberg Marston Brewing Company Paul Davies has been appointed as the UK CEO of the newly formed group, effective from Friday 17 January 2025.
Meanwhile Tom Smethers has been appointed as Carlsberg Britvic’s chief financial officer and Chris Pratt has taken on the role of vice president for on-trade sales.
Davies said: “This is a historic moment for everyone across our unique combined multi beverage business, I am immensely proud to have the opportunity to lead this new company, featuring so many iconic brands and so many dedicated and talented people.
Shared ambition
“As we look to the future together, Carlsberg Britvic will demonstrate the important values that underpin our dedication to our customers, our consumers, our people and our planet.
“Carlsberg Britvic combines the fantastic qualities of both businesses and our shared ambition to grow the UK beverage category through our unique proposition across soft drinks, beer and cider.
“We are all eager to build a successful future together as we create new opportunities, integrate our operations and continue to deliver excellent choice, product quality and service to our customers.
“On behalf of everyone at Carlsberg Britvic, I would like to thank all those whose effort, commitment and passion have made today possible.”
Carlsberg first announced the £3.3bn takeover in July 2024, in a bid to create a more “attractive and efficient” supply chain and distribution network with a “portfolio of market-leading brands and world-class service”.
The bid was initially rejected before being accepted later that month. The deal was then cleared by the Britain’s competition regulator in December last year.
Pivotal milestone
Hemel Hempstead-based Britvic is best known for producing 7UP, Tango, Robinsons, J2O and Fruit Shoot alongside Jimmy’s Ice Coffee while Danish brewer Carlsberg is known for its flagship Pilsner as well as 1664, Birrificio Angelo Portetti, Brooklyn Brewery beers and Hobgoblin.
Carlsberg added the acquisition would also strengthen its existing relationship with PepsiCo, becoming its largest bottling partner in Europe.
The group’s CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen said: “The Britvic acquisition is a pivotal milestone in the history of Carlsberg as we deepen our commitment to the UK market and write an ambitious next chapter in our growth story.
“Soft drinks is an attractive category that also brings significant synergies in combination with beer. Britvic is a large-scale, well-established business with a strong portfolio of much-loved own and partnership brands that consistently delivered strong results.
“I’d like to congratulate our new senior leaders on their appointments today, and we’re delighted to welcome all our new Britvic colleagues to the Carlsberg Group. We look forward to enhancing our combined business across the UK and other markets, and to strengthening our existing ties with PepsiCo.”
