Norton Rose Fulbright advises Coca-Cola HBC in the acquisition of a 30% shareholding in Caffè Vergnano

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has advised Coca-Cola HBC AG (Coca-Cola HBC), through its subsidiary CC Beverages Holdings II BV (CCH Holdings), in the agreement to acquire a 30% stake in Casa Del Caffè Vergnano S.p.A. (Caffè Vergnano).

Caffè Vergnano is a leading Italian company specializing in the production of coffee. The completion of the acquisition is expected in the second half of 2021 and is subject to the usual conditions relating to obtaining required approvals for similar transactions.

Coca-Cola HBC and Caffè Vergnano will also enter into an agreement for the exclusive distribution by Coca-Cola HBC, in the territories where the latter is present outside of Italy, of Caffè Vergnano's products, in order to strengthen the Italian company's presence outside the domestic market.

Caffè Vergnano is one of the oldest coffee producers in Italy, with a wide range of products.

Coca-Cola HBC is a company active in the CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) industry and is a strategic bottling partner of The Coca-Cola Company. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and the Athens Stock Exchange and has a presence in 28 countries.

The Milan-based team was led by partner Claudio Di Falco and included associates Gabriele Alessandra and Maria Beatrice Gilesi (corporate), associate Irene Bega (employment law), and counsel Ginevra Biadico (administrative law). The London-based team was co-led by partners Christopher Grieves and Mike Knapper, assisted by senior associates Lai Lynn Choong and Sarah Coe, and associate Alice Routh.