One by one, Nestle takes over mineral water producers from Eastbridge

Perrier Vittel (PV), a company from the Nestle food group, which has already acquired top mineral water producers Naleczowianka and Dar Natury, is now looking to take over another major player from the sector, Mazowszanka. PV purchased Naleczowianka, the second most popular mineral water brand with 12.5% market share, from Dutch investment company Eastbridge. According to unofficial information, Nestle also acquired from Eastbridge Dar Natury, the leader of the large-container-water market segment. PV has now set its sights on Mazowszanka. At present the company is 76%-owned by Central Properties, a subsidiary of Central Capital Investment. Earlier this year, Eastbridge bought from Central Properties the remaining 24%, with an option to later increase its stake to a majority one. However, the two sides cannot come to an agreement over price. Completion of the transaction was planned for today, but this now looks unlikely. (Puls Biznesu, p.6) A.D.