WATERLOO BREWING acquired by CARLSBERG GROUP
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 in 2023, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of , representing a to the average currently observed in the AgriFood sector (10.7x).
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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.
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| 05/2023 | EUROPEAN BAKERY GROUP | COOLBACK | GERMANY | Bakery / Pastry |
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| 02/2023 | PAI PARTNERS | LA COMPAGNIE DES DESSERTS | FRANCE | Bakery / Pastry |
| 02/2023 | LUCAS BOLS COMPANY | FLUÈRE | NETHERLANDS | Wines & Spirits |
| 01/2023 | NEWPRINCES GROUP | EM FOODS | FRANCE | Food Products |
| 01/2023 | BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION | DIPLOMÁTICO RUM | VENEZUELA | Wines & Spirits |
| 01/2023 | REFRESCO | AVANDIS | NETHERLANDS | Contract Bottling & Packaging |
| 01/2023 | IRCA / ADVENT INTERNATIONAL | KERRY SWEET INGREDIENTS | IRELAND | Ingredients |
REFERENCES
Valuation range: EV 100M - 350M CAD
Revenue range: 100M - 200M CAD
EBITDA range: 5M - 25M CAD
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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