Carlsberg’s £3.3bn acquisition of Britvic to create Carlsberg Britvic, a major step in expanding its international drinks footprint.

Carlsberg’s £3.3 billion acquisition of Hemel Hempstead-based Britvic, maker of popular beverages like J2O and Robinsons, has been approved by a High Court judge, marking a significant moment for the UK drinks market.

The Danish brewing giant, known for its 1664 and Brooklyn brands, is set to integrate Britvic into its operations, forming a unified drinks business under the name Carlsberg Britvic. The deal, first announced last July, is expected to propel Carlsberg into multiple drinks sectors, giving it a stronger international presence and potential for growth.

Britvic, which employs around 4,500 people in the UK, has been a major player in soft drinks, producing beverages such as Tango and Robinsons squash. Carlsberg’s plans aim to unlock annual cost efficiencies of £100 million by merging the two businesses.

The acquisition, which had received approval from Britvic’s shareholders and the UK’s competition regulator, will also see Carlsberg UK Holdings Limited take over Britvic. Mr Justice Hildyard, who sanctioned the deal in a short hearing on Wednesday, emphasized the positive impact it could have on both companies.

Andrew Thornton KC, representing Britvic, noted that the deal would not adversely affect the company’s creditors and has been backed by Britvic’s directors. He also assured that Britvic’s exclusive licence with PepsiCo, allowing it to manufacture and sell Pepsi, 7up, and Lipton Ice Tea in the UK, will remain in place post-acquisition.

In addition to the Britvic deal, Carlsberg also announced plans to buy out Marston’s, the Wolverhampton-based brewer behind Pedigree and Hobgoblin beers, in a £206 million transaction, further solidifying Carlsberg’s growing dominance in the drinks industry.

With the takeover now official, the merged entity, Carlsberg Britvic, is poised to become a major force in both the UK and global drinks market, reshaping the industry landscape and ensuring further expansion for both companies.