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M&A

LUCAS BOLS COMPANY

Acquired by

NOLET GROUP

NETHERLANDS Food Processing EV [100m EUR - 500m EUR] 10/2023

Target

LUCAS BOLS COMPANY

Acquirer

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.

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

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Equity Value

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Multiples Analysis

EV / Revenue

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EV / EBITDA

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EV / EBIT

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Historical Financials (EUR)

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2023
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Other operations with LUCAS BOLS COMPANY

DateAcquirerTargetCountrySectorDeal Context
02/2023LUCAS BOLS COMPANYFLUÈRENETHERLANDS
Food Processing

Lucas Bols completed the acquisition of 100% of Fluère to strategically enter the rapidly growing non-alcoholic spirits market. This "bolt-on" acquisition allows Lucas Bols to capitalize on the "mindful drinking" trend, providing a sophisticated alcohol-free alternative to its global client base of professional bartenders and distributors. The transaction was structured to facilitate a seamless transition and integration, finalized by April 2023. By bringing Fluère into its portfolio, Lucas Bols can leverage its existing global distribution power and century-old expertise in flavor distillation to scale the brand internationally. This deal reflects the broader industry trend of major spirits companies acquiring "No-and-Low" (NoLo) alcohol brands to meet changing social habits and diversify their revenue streams beyond traditional alcoholic categories. The integration allows Fluère to benefit from the institutional marketing resources and market authority of a historic global spirits leader while providing Lucas Bols with a turnkey solution for the alcohol-free cocktail segment.

12/2021LUCAS BOLS COMPANYTEQUILA PARTIDAUNITED STATES
Food Processing

Lucas Bols entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of Tequila Partida LLC, including its Mexican subsidiaries Casa Partida and Tequila Partida de Mexico, from the Shansby Trust and Edrington USA. This acquisition is a strategic move to integrate one of the fastest-growing spirits categories into the Lucas Bols portfolio, specifically targeting the high-growth ultra-premium tequila segment in the United States. Tequila is a fundamental ingredient in the Margarita, the most popular cocktail in the US, making this acquisition a seamless fit for Lucas Bols’ global cocktail-led growth strategy. By taking over the brand, Lucas Bols intends to leverage its existing US distribution platform to accelerate sales beyond pre-pandemic levels. The transition includes the acquisition of all intellectual property, trademarks, and inventory, while maintaining the local production team in Mexico to ensure the preservation of the brand's artisanal quality and handcrafted heritage.