Georgia-based Coca-Cola Company has entered into an agreement with the United Kingdom’s largest hospitality company to acquire its Costa Coffee brand for $5.1 billion.

The acquisition gives Coca-Cola access to a growing hot beverage market in Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa besides expanding its existing coffee lineup with a leading brand.

The deal with Whitbread PLC is pending the approval of Whitbread shareholders in October. Once the deal is completed mid-next year, Coca-Cola will acquire all the issued and outstanding shares of Costa.

Coca-Cola to acquire U.K.’s major coffee brand, Costa in an agreement expected to be finalized next year. WHITBREAD AND COCA-COLA
icon to expand image

“Costa gives Coca-Cola new capabilities and expertise in coffee, and our system can create opportunities to grow the Costa brand worldwide,” said Coca Cola CEO James Quincey.

Costa currently operates in 4,000 locations, but “Being part of the Coca-Cola system will enable us to grow the business farther and faster,” said Costa’s Managing Director Dominic Paul.

Quincey sees the agreement as a means for the company to be a leader in the growing but fragmented global coffee market.

“I’m excited about Costa because it can help Coca-Cola become even better – together, Coca-Cola and Costa will take another great step as a total beverage company,” he said.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Delta Air Lines employees work the ticket counter in the domestic terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Featured

Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC