Refresco takes over SDI and becomes a Full-Range Supplier for non-alcohol Drinks in Germany

Dordrecht, 17 August 2010. Refresco Holding B.V. is planning to take over SDI GmbH & Co. KG (SDI), a German producer of soft drinks and water, as well as the company Logico GmbH & Co. KG. The transaction will be conducted under reserve of the approval of  the German antitrust authority (Bundeskartellamt). Refresco is the European market leader in the production of private label soft drinks and fruit juices for retail and the leader in production to order for international A-brands.

SDI is a strong, regional producer of beverages, primarily active in the German market and Benelux, with production facilities in Erftstadt (Germany) and Heerlen (The Netherlands). The company trading exclusively in private labels also exports its products to other European countries. In 2009, turnover totalled EUR 153 million, against a production of approx. 1.1 billion units. The transaction is expected to be completed in a few months. Logico is responsible for SDI's inventory management and processes. Details regarding the acquisition price will not be publicized.

The acquisition is in line with Refresco’s Buy & Build strategy, which is focused on further strengthening and expanding the company’s leading position in the area of non-alcoholic beverages in Europe.

The takeover signifies an important step for Refresco in the growing German market for carbonated soft drinks (CSD). It allows Refresco to further expand its product range – which in Germany currently consists primarily of fruit juices – by carbonated beverages. This will also turn Refresco in Germany into a full-range supplier for non-alcoholic beverages.

In addition, the acquisition allows Refresco to integrate the activities of SDI into its own organization and consequently to further optimize its production und logistic processes. This significant improvement in its competitive position puts Refresco among the three best-selling drinks manufacturers for soft drinks and fruit juices in Germany. Finally it will reinforce Refresco's position on the growing private label market.

Refresco's CEO Hans Roelofs says: "We are happy to be able to announce this acquisition, shortly after the capital injection by 3i. SDI complements our existing activities well and enables us to further expand our position in the European market in general and the German market in particular. The acquisition allows us to further strengthen and expand our product range for existing clients. Our company profits from the integration of the production processes, and this will allow us to further optimize the Refresco organization. In the past, we have already shown that by using this approach, we can create added value both for the business and for our clients."

The managing director of SDI GmbH & Co. KG (SDI), Jürgen May, also views the takeover as positive and says: "The drinks market in Germany is in a challenging consolidation phase. In order to be able to successfully traverse this, companies on the market must have a certain size. It is the right step for SDI to belong to the Refresco Group now, one of the most important players in Europe and Germany, and I fully approved this from the start. We are happy to use our full CSD expertise and to contribute to the company's success."