Portfolio
Nature of Business
Refresco is the European market leader in the production of fruit juice and soft drinks for retail private labels and ‘in contract’ manufacturing for international A-brands. Since its establishment in 2000, the company has grown the number of its production sites to 26 and has expanded operations to eight countries across Europe. The company now has more than 2,500 employees.
Based in Dordrecht, The Netherlands, Refresco recorded a turnover of €1.3bn in 2010 and is focused on building a European platform of manufacturers of fruit juices and soft drinks.
Investment Overview
3i invested €84m for a 20% stake in Refresco in March 2010, with the capital fully committed to realise further growth.
Refresco´s buy-and-build growth strategy is focused on further expanding and strengthening Refresco´s market-leading position in the European market.
This is the second time that we have invested in Refresco, having supported a management buyout in 2003. After a period of active management, geographic expansion and significant profitable growth for the company, we generated an excellent return on our investment when we sold our shareholding in April 2006.
We have the full backing of the existing shareholders and management and intend to use our experience in the consumer sector – specifically the food and drink industry – to support Refresco in reaching its full potential.
