Synopsis : Coca-Cola is reportedly exploring the sale of Costa Coffee, with private equity bids expected this autumn. The move comes six years after its $5 billion acquisition aimed at challenging Starbucks and Nestlé in the global coffee market.
U.S. beverages giant Coca-Cola is reassessing its coffee bet as it considers a potential sale of Costa Coffee, the British chain it acquired in 2018 for over $5 billion. According to Sky News, the company is working with investment bank Lazard to evaluate strategic options, including full or partial divestment.
Initial discussions have reportedly been held with private equity firms, though insiders note that Coca-Cola may still decide to retain ownership of Costa. Indicative bids are expected in early autumn, setting the stage for one of the most closely watched consumer-sector deals of the year.
Costa Coffee, founded in London in 1971, has since grown into a global brand with over 2,700 stores in the UK and Ireland and more than 1,300 outlets worldwide. Coca-Cola’s acquisition was originally intended to diversify its portfolio beyond fizzy drinks, tapping into the growing global demand for coffee and healthier beverages.
However, with shifting consumer trends, rising competition from Starbucks and Nestlé, and broader health-conscious campaigns in the U.S.—including President Donald Trump’s recent push for Coca-Cola to use real cane sugar—the future of Costa under Coke’s ownership is uncertain.
For now, investors and industry watchers await clarity this autumn, when potential offers could give new direction to Costa Coffee’s global journey.
Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or business advice. Readers should verify independently before making business or investment decisions.
Would you like me to also add a "timeline box" (2018 acquisition → expansion → potential sale in 2024) so the article feels more visually engaging for digital readers?
