Archive · 14 Jan 2026
Coca-Cola Halts Costa Coffee Sale
Coca-Cola wanted to sell its coffee business, Costa Coffee, but couldn't find buyers willing to pay the price they wanted.
They talked to several investors, but none of the offers were good enough.
Costa Coffee has been having a hard time lately, with fewer people visiting their stores and higher costs.
Coca-Cola might try to sell it again later if things improve.
Right now, they're keeping the business and will have a new leader soon.
Coca-Cola paused the sale of Costa Coffee after receiving low offers from investors.
The company sought a valuation of £2 billion, significantly lower than the £3.9 billion paid in 2018.
Costa Coffee has faced operational challenges, including changing consumer behavior and rising competition.
For 2024, Costa reported an operating loss of £13.5 million on revenues of £1.2 billion.
Coca-Cola may reconsider selling Costa Coffee in the future if market conditions improve.
- Who
- Coca-Cola
- What
- Halted the sale of Costa Coffee due to weak investor interest
- When
- After ending talks in December 2023
- Where
- Global, with Costa Coffee operating in the UK, Ireland, and China
- Why
- Offers from private equity investors did not meet Coca-Cola's valuation expectations
- Company
- Coca-Cola
- Business
- Costa Coffee
- Valuation Sought
- £2 billion
- Acquisition Price
- £3.9 billion (2018)
- Operating Loss (2024)
- £13.5 million
- Revenues (2024)
- £1.2 billion
- Impairment Charge (2023)
- £48.6 million (China business)
- Leadership Transition
- Henrique Braun to become CEO in March