Keurig Dr Pepper launches US$18B takeover bid for JDE Peet’s

Keurig Dr Pepper has launched an US$18 billion all-cash takeover bid for JDE Peet’s, moving to create a global coffee powerhouse serving more than 100 countries. The offer of €31.85 (US$34.70) per share values the Amsterdam-listed coffee giant at approximately €15.56 billion (US$18.10 billion), with closing expected early in the second quarter of 2026. 

The deal, first announced in August 2025, has cleared all required competition approvals and received unanimous backing from JDE Peet’s board. Shareholders representing approximately 69% of issued shares — including major shareholder Acorn Holdings and all board members — have accepted the offer.

Two-company split planned 

Following the acquisition, KDP plans to separate into two independent US-listed publicly traded companies. One entity would focus on North America’s refreshment beverages market, including Dr Pepper sodas, while the other would become a dedicated global coffee business combining JDE Peet’s portfolio with KDP’s existing coffee operations.

The new Global Coffee Co. is projected to generate approximately US$16 billion in annual sales and hold leadership positions in 40 markets worldwide. KDP secured US$7 billion in private equity backing from Apollo, KKR, and Goldman Sachs in October to finance the deal.

Coffee market dynamics 

The transaction comes against a backdrop of record coffee bean prices and supply chain pressures across the sector. According to Innova Market Insights, North America recorded the highest coffee sales value growth among all regions between 2021 and 2023, with a 9% CAGR.

The market researcher notes that premium and indulgent positionings dominate new coffee product development, while clean label claims continue to gain traction.

JDE Peet’s, the world’s largest pure-play coffee company, serves approximately 4,400 cups of coffee per second and generated €8.8 billion (US$9.6 billion) in sales in 2024. Its brand portfolio includes Peet’s, L’OR, and Jacobs.

The offer period runs from January 16 to March 27, with a general meeting scheduled for March 2 to vote on post-closing restructuring measures. A minimum acceptance threshold of 95% is required, though this drops to 80% if shareholders approve the restructuring proposals.