Simmons & Simmons has advised Refresco Group B.V. on the acquisition of the entire share capital of Spumador S.p.A.,the largest producer of private label carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) and mineral water in Italy, for an undisclosed sum. The transaction is expected to complete in the next few months.

The acquisition of Spumador S.p.A., currently owned by global private equity firm Trilantic Capital Partners, is part of Refresco’s planned expansion in Europe.

Simmons & Simmons set up a multi jurisdictional team of lawyers from Amsterdam, Brussels, London, Milan and Rome. Marco Franzini led the Italian team on the M&A aspects, and Amsterdam based Leo Verhoeff, who is Simmons & Simmons client partner for Refresco, advised on various corporate aspects.

Commenting on the transaction, Marco Franzini, said: ‘‘We were pleased to advise and assist Refresco on this transaction, which is their first step into the Italian market and is also one of the major M&A cross border transactions for the Italian market so far this year.” 

Leo Verhoeff added: “Refresco has been a client of the firm since 2003, and we are happy to continue to support their ‘buy and build’ strategy, aimed at strengthening Refresco’s leading position in Europe in the private label soft drinks and fruit juices market.’’