Lucas Bols Company acquired by Nolet Group
Context
Nolet Distillery launched a recommended public offer to acquire all issued and outstanding ordinary shares of Lucas Bols Company, marking a significant consolidation within the Dutch spirits industry. This public-to-private transaction was motivated by a shared strategic vision to create a "Dutch champion" in the global cocktails and spirits market. The acquisition allows Lucas Bols to preserve over 450 years of craftsmanship and heritage under the stewardship of a long-term, family-owned strategic ally. By delisting from the public market, Lucas Bols can pivot its growth strategy toward long-term brand fortification and innovation, insulated from the volatility of short-term financial market demands. The deal ensures operational continuity, with Lucas Bols retaining its identity, name, and Amsterdam-based headquarters under its existing leadership team. This merger of two historic distillers—combining Nolet’s global vodka and gin strength with Lucas Bols’ versatile cocktail portfolio—provides a robust foundation for expedited international growth and protects the traditional craftsmanship of the Dutch distilling sector for future generations.
Previously, the company had pursued a consolidation strategy by acquiring Tequila Partida (2021) and Fluère (2023).
Lucas Bols Company, which reported an EBITDA margin of [members only] in 2023, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of 10x–18x.
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Target
Established in 1575 in Amsterdam, Lucas Bols Company is one of the world's oldest active Dutch companies and a global leader in the cocktail and spirits market. The company’s extensive portfolio includes renowned brands such as Bols (marketed as "The World's First Cocktail Brand"), Passoã, Galliano, and Tequila Partida. Its business model focuses on the artisanal craftsmanship of liqueurs, genever, gin, and vodka, aiming to create high-quality cocktail experiences worldwide. Lucas Bols maintains deep ties to Amsterdam's heritage and professional mixology culture, operating through a global distribution network that serves bars, restaurants, and retail consumers. The company’s strategy emphasizes brand innovation and maintaining a versatile range of spirits that cater to evolving consumer tastes in the global "home-cocktail" and professional bartending segments.
Ent. Value
€300–700M
Equity Value
[members only]
Multiples
EV / Revenue
2x–6x
EV / EBITDA
10x–18x
EV / EBIT
15x–25x
Historical Financials (EUR)
Other operations with Lucas Bols Company
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/2023 | LUCAS BOLS COMPANY | FLUÈRE | NETHERLANDS | Wines & Spirits |
| 12/2021 | LUCAS BOLS COMPANY | TEQUILA PARTIDA | UNITED STATES | Wines & Spirits |
Similar deals in Food Processing
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/2023 | COCA-COLA | FINLANDIA VODKA | FINLAND | Wines & Spirits |
| 11/2023 | TERRENA | TIPIAK | FRANCE | Dairy |
| 09/2023 | THE J.M. SMUCKER COMPANY | HOSTESS BRANDS, INC.. | UNITED STATES | Food Products |
| 08/2023 | GROUPE AVRIL | HARI&CO | FRANCE | Food Products |
| 07/2023 | MALTERIES SOUFFLET | UNITED MALT GROUP | AUSTRALIA | Food Processing |
| 07/2023 | ROYAL UNIBREW | VRUMONA | NETHERLANDS | Soft Drinks |
| 07/2023 | MARS | KEVIN'S NATURAL FOODS | UNITED STATES | Food Products |
| 06/2023 | 3I | PANELTO FOODS | IRELAND | Bakery / Pastry |
| 06/2023 | MITSUI & CO | NUTRINOVA NETHERLANDS | NETHERLANDS | Ingredients |
| 06/2023 | IK PARTNERS | GOODLIFE FOODS | NETHERLANDS | Food Products |
REFERENCES
Valuation range: EV €300–700M
Revenue range: €100–200M
EBITDA range: €10–30M
EV/Revenue range: 2x - 6x
EV/EBITDA range: 10x - 18x
Note: This page provides detailed data on a private equity M&A transaction. Detailed and exact financial metrics for the acquisition of Lucas Bols Company by Nolet Group are reserved for mynth community members. Register for free to unlock full data.
Authors: This transaction was contributed by a verified mynth contributor and cross-checked against available transaction documents and official company communications.
Target: lucas bols company
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