The Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company (ECCBC) and the Castell Group have announced that they have reached an agreement to begin the process of merging their Algerian soft drink companies.
According to an ECCBC press release, this proposed merger will lead to the creation of a leading company in the field of non-alcoholic beverages in Algeria serving more than 87,000 points of sale, of which the company is the main owner, and the transactions being subject to certain conditions precedent, including the approval of the competent authorities.
The proposed merger will also allow the two companies to combine their respective capabilities and experiences to drive performance by creating a unified beverage platform to serve the Algerian market more effectively and efficiently, and to increase value for key players in the Coca-Cola system, including consumers, customers and suppliers.
The Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottlling Company is the official bottler/distributor of Coca-Cola in 13 countries in North and West Africa, with a proud history of over 30 years.
The company is also committed to continuing to invest, hire, produce and distribute locally, while maintaining strong commitments to the economic and social well-being of each community it serves.
With more than 60 years of experience in Africa, the Castel Group has established an industrial footprint in 21 African countries, as a family business, where its strong social values and close relationships with its partners and employees are the cornerstones of its long-term success.
Alfonso Bosch, CEO of the Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottlling Group, said: “Through this merger, Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottlling confirms its commitment to Algeria and the entire African continent. During the merger process, we look forward to bringing our two companies together for the benefit of all stakeholders. »
“This merger is part of the entrepreneurial journey that the Castel Group has followed in Algeria and Africa for several decades, and within the framework of its well-established local commitment. This is a strong sign of Castel’s dynamism within the Algerian economy and of its desire to contribute to its vitality”, declared Gil Martignac, of the Castel Group.
It should also be noted that Rothschild & Co. worked as sole financial advisor to the Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottlling Company, while Latham & Watkins served as the company’s principal legal advisor.
For its part, Elantra acted as sole financial advisor to Groupe Castel and Lacourte Raquin Tatar acted as lead legal advisor.
Ahmed Achour