Speculation is mounting that Australia’s largest brewer could be the next takeover target as mass consolidation takes place in the global beverage sector. Foster’s has long been touted as a likely target of global brewers like SABMiller and Asahi but despite all the rumours a bid has yet to eventuate – largely due to the influence of their wine division. However, a report in Business Spectator this morning claims a “deal is imminent”. Consolidation The alcoholic beverage... ...Read more »

Reports are circulating in the European press that the world’s largest yoghurt maker Danone could make a play for Italian dairy firm Parmalat. Parmalat’s share price soared overnight as rumours swirled in the wake of a 3 billion euro (A$5.4b) capital raising by Danone earlier this week. The French company indicated the money would be used to pay down debt and/or make acquisitions and, given Parmalat’s market capitalisation is around the exact amount they raised, it has ensured speculation... ...Read more »

Foster’s Group Limited yesterday announced that Jamie Odell, Managing Director Australia, Asia, Pacific, will leave the Company on Friday 14 November to pursue other interests. It has been suggested that the decision was made by Odell because he was recently overlooked for the role as CEO, which was assumed by former non-executive director Ian Johnston. Mr Odell had been in charge of Foster’s wine division until 2006 before moving to his current role. It is believed that he was keen to... ...Read more »

Molson Coors has been identified as the mystery stakeholder in Australia’s largest brewer, Foster’s, strengthening speculation of a takeover. Deutsche Bank bought a 5.26% stake in Foster’s on behalf of a previously unidentified client on September 25, while rumours circulated that the stake could be an indication of a possible takeover bid in the near future. Molson Coors, which has operations in the US, Canada and the UK, made the announcement overnight when presenting their third... ...Read more »

Frucor, Groupe Danone’s Australian and New Zealand beverage business, has reportedly drawn the attention of a number of trade suitors as private equity firms drop out of the bidding. Danone has not yet officially put Frucor on the market but they announced a thorough review was underway in August and, with their recent refocus on health and wellness products, speculation of a sale has been strong. Frucor, New Zealand’s second largest non-alcoholic beverage manufacturer, is valued by analysts... ...Read more »

Foster’s has reportedly hired an advisor to shield them from possible takeover predators. Speculation has been rife that Australia’s largest brewer would be subject to takeover bids as the beer industry continues to go through a major consolidation phase. Among this year’s major deals have been the combination of the world’s second and third largest brewers, InBev and Anheuser-Busch, the purchase of Scottish & Newcastle by Heineken and Carlsberg and the merger of the US... ...Read more »

Reports suggest that strong interest has been generated in both the potential sales of Cadbury’s Australian beverage division and Frucor – owned by Danone. Companies consistently linked to bids have included P&N Beverages, Coca-Cola Amatil and National Foods, although competition concerns could play  a factor in the process, with Coca-Cola Amatil likely to be the most heavily scrutinised by the ACCC – according to analysts. Groupe Danone reported at the end of August that a... ...Read more »

Groupe Danone, in response to speculation that a sale of their Australasian beverage group Frucor in on the horizon, has reported that a review of the company has been initiated. “Over the last six years, Frucor has played an instrumental role in the development of Danone’s strategy for beverages,” the company said in a statement. “In light of the Group’s recent refocus on purity and naturality within its Waters division, Danone is conducting a thorough review of all... ...Read more »

Cadbury has informed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) that they are proposing to sell their beverage business in Australia. Rumours had been circulating for months that a sale was on the cards following the demerger of Cadbury-Schweppes in the US which left Australia as the only country where Cadbury’s confectionery and beverage units were combined. Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) CEO Terry Davis has also fuelled rumours of a Schweppes sale by indicating CCA would be interested... ...Read more »

Speculation continues to mount that Japanese-based Kirin Holdings will make a play for the drinks unit of Cadbury Schweppes in Australia. The Japanese beverage giant already has significant operations in Australia following last year’s $2b purchase of dairy company National Foods. They also have a 46% stake in Lion Nathan Australia and a purchase of Schweppes would mean they would be a major player in the dairy, beer and soft drink sectors. Cadbury announced a review of their beverage operations... ...Read more »