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03/2023100%

Waterloo Brewing acquired by Carlsberg Group

CANADA Food Processing / Beverages / Wines & Spirits EV CAD 100–350M

Context

Carlsberg has completed the acquisition of 100% of Waterloo Brewing's shares, aiming to bolster its presence in the Canadian market, where the group had previously maintained a relatively limited footprint. The integration of Waterloo Brewing enables Carlsberg to tap into a complementary portfolio of local beers, ciders, and ready-to-drink beverages, while leveraging strong regional brand recognition and an existing industrial infrastructure. The transaction also generates significant industrial and commercial synergies. The Waterloo production site in Kitchener becomes a strategic manufacturing hub for several of the group's brands, including Somersby, which has been locally produced since 2020. By combining Carlsberg's international brands with Waterloo's local references, the company creates a more competitive player in the Canadian beer and RTD market. Beyond commercial strengthening, the deal allows Carlsberg to secure local production capacity, enhance its logistical efficiency, and accelerate growth in a market category benefiting from favorable consumer trends. For Waterloo Brewing, the partnership provides access to the resources, brands, and international network of one of the world's leading brewing groups, supporting the long-term pursuit of its development goals.

Waterloo Brewing, which reported an EBITDA margin of [members only] in 2023, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of 5x–12x, representing a discount to the average observed in the AgriFood sector (12.2x in 2023).

-> Deep-dive in AgriFood market trends

Target

Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, Waterloo Brewing is one of Canada's leading independent brewers and was the largest Canadian-owned brewery in Ontario at the time of its acquisition. Regarded as the pioneer of Ontario's modern craft brewing scene, the company has played a pivotal role in shaping the Canadian craft beer movement and has significantly contributed to the resurgence of craft brewing in the country. Waterloo Brewing's portfolio comprises a diverse range of premium beers, affordable beers, ciders, and ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages. Its flagship brands include Waterloo Brewing, Laker, Seagram Coolers, LandShark, and Margaritaville, among others. This combination of heritage brands and recognized licenses enables the company to maintain a strong presence across multiple segments of the Canadian beverage alcohol market. Beyond its brand activities, Waterloo Brewing boasts substantial brewing, packaging, and bottling capabilities. Its Kitchener production facility is certified to international food safety standards and also offers contract manufacturing services for third-party clients in the beer, cider, and flavored beverage categories. Since 2020, the company has been responsible for producing Somersby cider in Canada on behalf of Carlsberg.

Ent. Value

CAD 100–350M

Equity Value

[members only]

Multiples

EV / Revenue

1x–3x

EV / EBITDA

5x–12x

EV / EBIT

[members only]

Historical Financials (CAD)

Year
Rev
EBITDA
EBIT
2023
CAD 100–200M
CAD 5–25M
[members only]
2022
CAD 100–200M
CAD 5–25M
[members only]

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REFERENCES

Valuation range: EV CAD 100–350M

Revenue range: CAD 100–200M

EBITDA range: CAD 5–25M

EV/Revenue range: 1x - 3x

EV/EBITDA range: 5x - 12x

Note: This page provides detailed data on a private equity M&A transaction. Detailed and exact financial metrics for the acquisition of Waterloo Brewing by Carlsberg 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.

Press release: view release

Target: waterloo brewing

Acquirer: carlsberg group

FAQ

What transaction does this page cover?

This page covers Carlsberg Group’s acquisition of 100% of Waterloo Brewing, a Canadian company specialised in Beverages, in 2023.

How was the acquisition of Waterloo Brewing by Carlsberg Group valued, and what multiples were paid?

mynth displays the transaction’s enterprise value within the CAD 100–350M band, its EV/EBITDA multiple within the 5x - 12x range, and its EV/revenue multiple within the 1x - 3x range. Exact figures are available to members.

What were Waterloo Brewing’s revenue and EBITDA at the time of the deal?

At the time of the transaction, Waterloo Brewing generated annual revenue estimated in the CAD 100–200M range and EBITDA in the CAD 5–25M bracket (FY 2023). Detailed financial figures are available to members.

How does the valuation of Waterloo Brewing compare to benchmarks in the AgriFood sector?

The estimated multiple of 5x - 12x sits below the sector median of 12.2x recorded in 2023, indicating an attractive entry multiple for Carlsberg Group or reflecting specific complexities. The descriptive comparison is based on 15 transactions with available EV/EBITDA multiples from differences in size, growth, profitability that may affect comparability.

What sources support the information on this transaction?

Information on this transaction is sourced from the official corporate announcement published by the parties, corroborated by a private document shared by the community and verified by the mynth team to ensure the accuracy of the shared information.

What is mynth?

mynth is the first free M&A database dedicated to Small & Mid-Cap transactions. We centralize Enterprise Values, revenue multiples, EBITDA multiples and transaction financials that are typically locked behind five-figure subscriptions on platforms like Capital IQ or Mergermarket. On mynth, searching and browsing deals is completely free. Our mission is simple: make professional-grade valuation intelligence accessible to every M&A advisor, independent consultant, Private Equity professional and student, without the burden of expensive annual licenses.