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On 15th April 2020, Kofola ČeskoSlovensko became a 100% shareholder in the companies Karlovarská Korunní and Ondrášovka, after the transaction was approved by the Office for the Protection of Competition and all other conditions for the takeover were met. Through the purchase of Korunní and Ondrášovka, Kofola ČeskoSlovensko widens its portfolio to include Czech mineral water brands and significantly strengthens its position in the category of packaged waters on the Czech market. With this acquisition, Kofola takes over the distribution network, liabilities, receivables and all employees. Both parties have previously stated that the transaction price will not be disclosed.

Both the new brands in Kofola´s portfolio have a rich history and perfectly complete our current portfolio built on traditional brands. Another contribution to the portfolio is Šaratica, a natural mineral water from healing springs. In return, the Kofola Group will provide its newly acquired brands with all the benefits that come with belonging to a strong beverage company, including its well-organised distribution network and marketing know-how.

“Kofola is focusing on the consolidation of its position on the local non-alcoholic beverage market. The acquisition of Korunní and Ondrášovka was logically our main long-term objective,” says Daniel Buryš, General Director at Kofola ČeskoSlovensko, and adds: “this acquisition will essentially help to sustain our ability to compete on the market. To give you a better idea, this addition to our portfolio will contribute to further growth in the HoReCa segment, and the Šaratica brand also opens doors to pharmacies for us.”

Pavol Krúpa commenting on behalf of the seller, Ondrášovka Holding, describes the transaction as “the best scenario for Korunní and Ondrášovka we could have wished for” and explains why: “Korunní and Ondrášovka are traditional Czech brands and when it comes to ensuring healthy and long-term growth, to me, there is no more suitable buyer than Kofola.”

Following an acquisition of this size, and in conjunction with the current situation on the market, the Kofola Group is undergoing a major reorganisation. “We have built a special internal integration team under the experienced leadership of Jiří Vlasák, Kofola Group Strategy Director. We have also strengthened the Group’s finance team. The new head, Martin Pisklák, has successfully integrated the companies Radenska and Studenac into the Group´s structures. He has considerable experience in production and operational company management.” says Jannis Samaras, CEO of the Kofola Group and adds: “In the coming months, as the coronavirus pandemic continues, Daniel Buryš, as general director of Kofola for CzechoSlovakia, will focus fully on stabilising and developing business in CzechoSlovakia. I am fully convinced that the Kofola Group is well prepared for such a big acquisition, as well as for the consequences of COVID-19 epidemic safety measures.”

Our highest priorities are to integrate these new brands into our portfolio and into Czechoslovak business structures, and to make corresponding adjustments in operational strategy for the segment of packaged spring and mineral waters. From a long-term perspective, our goal will be to sustain and develop Korunní and Ondrášovka´s retail share and creation of gastro and impulse channels for both brands. In the case of Šaratica, Kofola ČeskoSlovensko will focus, in particular, on development of distribution channels to pharmacies.

In 2019, Karlovarská Korunní and Ondrášovka generated annual revenues of CZK 850 million. Their main production is centralized in Stráž nad Ohří and Moravský Beroun, and they employ around 210 employees throughout the Czech Republic.

Strategic transactional counselling in connection with the transaction was provided by Tomáš Vejvoda from Genesia Partners, s.r.o., legal advice was provided by Jakub Onisko from Onisko & Partners s.r.o. and a legal team from Baker & McKenzie, led by Libor Basl.

Further information can be found in section Regulatory information.