Carlsberg to sell Britvic Brazil to Grupo JAV for US$89.8M
The divestment follows a strategic review of Carlsberg’s Britvic assets, while the Brazilian buyer plans to build on the soft drinks business’s established brands and nationwide distribution network.
BRAZIL – Carlsberg Group has agreed to sell its Brazilian soft drinks business, Empresa Brasileira de Bebidas e Alimentos SA (Britvic Brazil), to local beverage company Grupo José Augusto Vieira (Grupo JAV) for €80 million (US$89.8M) as part of a strategic review of its international operations.
The transaction is expected to be completed by December 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
The Danish beverage group initiated the divestment following an assessment of several options for the future of Britvic Brazil and its strategic position within the wider business.
Carlsberg acquired the Brazilian operation in January 2025 following its takeover of UK-based soft drinks manufacturer Britvic plc and its international businesses.
Commenting on the agreement, Nikos Kalaitzidakis, Carlsberg’s Executive Vice President for Central and Eastern Europe and India, said the group would work with stakeholders to facilitate the ownership transition.
“We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a successful transition and a strong future for the business under its new ownership,” he said.
For Grupo JAV, the acquisition provides an opportunity to expand its presence in Brazil’s beverage industry. The group highlighted Britvic Brazil’s established brand portfolio, nationwide distribution network and experienced workforce as key attractions.
Frank Vieira, shareholder of Grupo JAV, said: “This acquisition is an important milestone for Grupo JAV and reflects our long-term confidence in the Brazilian market. Britvic Brazil brings a strong brand portfolio, a nationwide footprint and an experienced team, and we are excited to support its continued growth.”
Britvic entered Brazil 11 years ago through the £120.8 million (then US$188.4 million) acquisition of Empresa Brasileira de Bebidas e Alimentos, the owner of the Maguary brand.
In 2017, the UK-based company expanded its Brazilian operations through the £54.5 million (then US$67.2 million) acquisition of Bela Ischia.
The sale represents another development in Carlsberg’s management of the international assets acquired through its Britvic takeover.
Founded in 1847, Carlsberg operates in more than 150 markets, with a portfolio spanning beer, soft drinks and other beverage categories. The group employs more than 35,000 people worldwide.
Meanwhile, Carlsberg maintained its full-year 2026 financial outlook after reporting third-quarter sales of DKK25.3 billion (US$3.78 billion), representing a 5% year-on-year increase. Growth across several markets offset continued weakness in China.
The company expects organic operating profit to increase by 4% to 6% in 2026, despite challenging trading conditions in some markets.
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