Clearance For Danone’s Acquisition of Harrogate Water Brands
The CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) in the UK has cleared the anticipated acquisition by Danone of Harrogate Water Brands. Danone announced earlier this year that its UK subsidiary had agreed to acquire a majority stake in Harrogate Water, a family-owned business. Harrogate Water is the owner of the award-winning, British water brand ‘Harrogate Spring Water’, one of the UK’s leading bottled water brands, and the charitable brand ‘Thirsty Planet’.
Harrogate Spring Water is the original British water brand, with a spa history dating back to 1571, and being first bottled in 1740. Today, Harrogate Spring Water is one of Britain’s fastest growing water brands and leader in the out of home category.
The acquisition will further develop Danone Waters’ position in the UK and support future growth for Harrogate Water’s portfolio. It will provide new opportunities for both businesses to deliver growth across complementary channels, combining the respective know-how of Harrogate Water in foodservice and out of home channels and Danone Water in retail channels with its evian and Volvic brands.
The current shareholders of Harrogate Water, the Cain family, will remain as minority shareholders and continue to contribute to the growth of the company.
CAPTION:
Pictured (left to right): James Cain OBE, CEO of Harrogate Water; and James Pearson, Managing Director of Danone Waters UK & Ireland.
