FINLANDIA VODKA acquired by COCA-COLA

Coca-Cola HBC AG, through its wholly-owned subsidiary CC Beverages Holdings II BV, has completed the acquisition of Brown-Forman Finland Oy, the corporate entity that owns the Finlandia vodka brand, from Brown-Forman Netherlands BV. The transaction finalized following a definitive agreement reached earlier in the year. This corporate divestiture structures the full equity transfer of the brand, transitioning ownership to the strategic bottling partner of The Coca-Cola Company. The divestment aligns with Brown-Forman’s long-term strategic ambition to premiumize its core product portfolio through targeted brand innovation, acquisitions, and selective asset sales. For the purchasing group, acquiring the established spirit brand accelerates its objective to position itself as a comprehensive, round-the-clock beverage partner. The post-closing commercial integration focuses on the following key operational pillars: (1) Mixability Opportunities: Driving commercial volume by pairing the spirit portfolio with premium and super-premium Non-Alcoholic Ready-To-Drink (NARTD) products. (2) Channel Penetration: Strengthening active B2B partnerships and commercial distribution contracts across strategically important hospitality channels, specifically targeting the hotel, restaurant, and cafe (HoReCa) sectors. (3) Market Consolidation: Capturing incremental consumer drinking occasions and expanding the group's premium spirits footprint, particularly within Central and Eastern European regional markets where the brand maintains an established position.

By taking control of Finlandia Vodka, Coca-Cola continues its expansion strategy. Previously, the group had completed 3 acquisitions, including Costa in 2018.