Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPS), Plano, Texas, completed its acquisition of the business assets of Bethlehem, Pa.-based Davis Beverage Group and Davis Bottling Co. The acquisition includes a 42-county distribution territory covering most of the eastern half of Pennsylvania, excluding the Philadelphia area, as well as western and central New Jersey.
Through the deal, DPS gains glass package manufacturing capabilities and assumes control of the distribution of many of its brands, including 7UP, Snapple, A&W, Canada Dry and Sunkist, as well as allied brands such as Bai5, Fiji, Vita Coco and Neuro, among others, in the newly acquired territory.
The expansion builds on the company’s efforts to strengthen its route to market, improve operating efficiency, and leverage its integrated business model, the company says.
“We’re pleased to welcome the Davis business to DPS,” said Rodger Collins, DPS president of packaged beverages, in a statement. “As we blend their proud heritage and experience with our own history of flavor leadership and excellence in execution, customers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey can look forward to receiving great brands delivered with outstanding customer service.”
Collins added that most of the existing Davis workforce has joined DPS and that the company might hire additional employees to serve customers as they continue to assess the market’s needs.
The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed but will not have a material impact on DPS’s financial statements, the company says.