Refresco to acquire Australian beverage manufacturer Tru Blu Beverages

Dutch beverage solutions provider Refresco Group B.V. has agreed to acquire Tru Blu Beverages, an Australian manufacturer of non-alcoholic beverages, for an undisclosed price.

Tru Blu Beverages, which is privately-owned, supplies non-alcoholic beverages to Australian retailers and brand owners. The company has a workforce of more than 400 people and has three beverage manufacturing plants in Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth.

It is supported by a distribution network with warehouses across all the main Australian capital cities.

Peter Brooks — Tru Blu Beverages CEO said: “By joining Refresco, our customers, suppliers and employees will be able to benefit from the Company’s broad capabilities, experience and expertise. We are proud to become part of the Refresco family, with its strong entrepreneurial spirit and passion to deliver quality service to its customers.

“Tru Blu Beverages’ leading capabilities and blue-chip customer base gives Refresco a solid entrance into the Australian market. We look forward to building an even stronger platform together.”

Refresco Group said that the acquisition of Tru Blu Beverages grows its addressable market and gives scope to utilize its size and scale and its track record of integrating companies.

Hans Roelofs — Refresco Group CEO said: “We started with one factory in Europe just over two decades ago and steadily built a diversified, pan-European platform. Only six years ago, we took our first step into North America.

“We now operate over 70 manufacturing sites globally, with just about half of those located across North America and the rest throughout Europe, offering a full range of beverage solutions to a broad customer base.

“The acquisition of Tru Blu Beverages in Australia creates a new platform for Refresco, in line with our strategic promise to expand into a third continent.”

The closing of the deal is subject to regulatory approval.

Earlier this month, Refresco Group entered into an agreement to acquire alcoholic beverage manufacturer Avandis from cocktail spirits companies Lucas Bols and De Kuyper Royal Distillers for €25 million.