WATERBURY, Vt. – Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. announced yesterday (December 04, 2014) that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the outstanding equity of MDS Global Holding p.l.c. (“Bevyz”) that it does not already own.
The transaction is valued at approximately €178 million euros, in cash, or approximately $220 million based on exchange rates as of the close of business on December 3, 2014.
Keurig currently owns approximately 15% of Bevyz on a fully diluted basis and will fund the acquisition with cash on hand.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the next month.
Founded in 2004 by Edouard Sterngold and Eva Schwarz, Bevyz has developed a unique, patented single-portion multi-drink system that dispenses an extensive range of premium tasting hot and cold beverages.
“The acquisition of Bevyz adds unique and complementary technology and research and development capabilities,” said Brian Kelley, Keurig’s President and CEO. “As a result of our strong balance sheet, we’re able to make this strategic acquisition while investing in organic growth and returning cash to shareholders.”
As previously announced, Keurig will launch its Keurig Cold platform in the fall of 2015. This innovative new beverage system will offer consumers a convenient, sustainable way to enjoy freshly-made cold beverages including carbonated drinks, enhanced waters, juice drinks, sports drinks and teas at home with the one-touch simplicity, quality and variety that North American consumers love about the Keurig® brand hot system platform.
“We are extremely excited about this development as we believe Keurig’s innovative approach and business model are directly aligned with our mission to deliver superior, in-home beverage experiences to consumers,” added Edouard Sterngold, Bevyz’s founder and CEO. “We’re excited to become part of the Keurig team and believe this acquisition is financially compelling for our shareholders and creates new opportunities for our employees.”
Following the acquisition, Bevyz’s roughly 50 employees will become part of Keurig’s technology and product systems teams and are expected to continue to be located primarily in the Netherlands and Malta.
Keurig reiterated its fiscal year 2015 and first quarter 2015 guidance provided in its November 19, 2014 earnings press release.
In connection with this transaction, BofA Merrill Lynch served as financial advisor to Keurig and Perella Weinberg Partners served as financial advisor to Bevyz and E. Landau Law Offices of Jerusalem, Israel and The Giannuzzi Group of New York acted as legal counsel to Bevyz.
