FDBusiness.com

Cott Corporation is extending its UK and European business with the acquisition of Calypso Soft Drinks, including Mr Freeze (Europe), for an undisclosed price. Calypso Soft Drinks is a privately owned soft drinks and freezable business based at Wrexham in the UK.

Calypso Soft Drinks, with revenues of approximately US$50 million (£38 million), has a strong presence in the food service channel (which includes schools) with an extensive range of branded children’s soft drinks that use its own source of natural mineral water and contain no artificial colours or flavours. Additionally, Calypso Soft Drinks is the UK’s market leader in freezables with its Jubbly, Mr Freeze and other various licensed trademark offerings.

Steve Corby, Director of Cott’s UK reporting segment, comments: “The Calypso Soft Drinks acquisition falls within the diversification strategy of the UK reporting segment as it brings new soft drink packaging formats such as single serve Combi cartons, single serve cups and cuplets and two freezable formats into the Cott portfolio. Calypso Soft Drinks has been highly successful in providing its customers with quality and innovation. We look forward to building on the solid foundation already established.”

Peter Cooke, chief executive of Calypso Soft Drinks, says: “We firmly believe that bringing Calypso Soft Drinks into the Cott family will provide additional opportunities for the benefit of our employees and customers alike.”

Completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions, including clearance from the UK’s Office of Fair Trading and is anticipated to close in June 2013.

Canada-based Cott is one of the world’s largest producers of beverages on behalf of retailers, brand owners and distributors. Cott produces multiple types of beverages in a variety of packaging formats and sizes, including carbonated soft drinks, 100% shelf stable juice and juice-based products, clear, still and sparkling flavored waters, energy products, sports products, new age beverages, and ready-to-drink teas, as well as alcoholic beverages for brand owners.

Employing about 4,000 people and operating manufacturing facilities in the United States, Canada, the UK and Mexico. Cott also develops and manufactures beverage concentrates, which it exports to over 50 countries around the world.