Pepsico to shed Tropicana in N. America

Pepsico Inc is to sell Tropicana, Naked and other juice brands in North America to French private equity firm PAI Partners for about $3.3 billion as it seeks to bolster its balance sheet and focus on healthier snacks and zero-calorie drinks.

The US drinks giant will retain a 39 per cent noncontrolling interest in a new holding company for the brands and has also granted PAI an irrevocable option to buy certain juice businesses in Europe, according to a statement on Tuesday.

Pepsico said it plans to use the proceeds from the deal to strengthen its balance sheet and invest in the wider business, it said.

PAI is an experienced investor in the food and beverage space and is behind Refresco, the biggest independent bottler of beverages globally. PAI's proposed joint venture with Pepsico is similar to ones it has with the Swiss food group Nestle ice-cream maker Froneri.

"This joint venture with PAI enables us to realise significant upfront value, whilst providing the focus and resources necessary to drive additional long-term growth for these beloved brands," said Pepsico chairman and chief executive officer Ramon Laguarta in a statement.

"In addition, it will free us to concentrate on our current portfolio of diverse offerings, including growing our portfolio of healthier snacks, zerocalorie beverages, and products like SodaStream which are focused on being better for people and the planet," he said.

The Pepsico juice businesses delivered about $3 billion in net revenue in 2020 with operating profit margins that were below the company's overall operating margin in 2020. The transaction is expected to close in late 2021 or early 2022.