Highsnobiety
Double Tap to Zoom

The Coca-Cola Company has announced it is buying London-founded chain Costa Coffee, which has become a global brand since its foundation in 1971 and is seen as Starbucks' main competitor in Europe.

The deal to buy Costa will cost Coca-Cola $5.1 billion. Costa has close to 4,000 retail outlets worldwide and is described by Coca-Cola in its statement as having "highly trained baristas" and "state-of-the-art roastery." The purchase will give Coca-Cola a presence in coffee retail markets across Europe, the Asia Pacific region, the Middle East, and Africa.

“Costa gives Coca-Cola new capabilities and expertise in coffee, and our system can create opportunities to grow the Costa brand worldwide,” said Coca-Cola president and CEO James Quincey in response to the deal. “Hot beverages is one of the few segments of the total beverage landscape where Coca-Cola does not have a global brand. Costa gives us access to this market with a strong coffee platform.”

Costa owner Whitbread will seek shareholder approval to complete the deal, which is expected to happen by mid-October.

Now, did you know that Oreo has dropped wasabi and hot chicken-flavored cookies?

We Recommend
  • You Can’t See This Ultra-Clean Air Force 1, It’s “Invisible”
  • The Second Coming of Tenniscore Is Destined for a Stylish Win
  • 18 Best Dutch Clothing Brands Every Highsnobiety Reader Should Know In 2025
  • Gustaf Westman’s Mercedes CLA Is the Final Boss of Glamping
  • Balaclavas to Tackle the Cold Weather Face First
What To Read Next
  • Nike's Newest Air Max "Dad Shoe" Is Tiffany-Level Clean
  • adidas Gave the Samba the Boot
  • The Golden Era of Nike's Lowkey Flyest Runner
  • This Satisfyingly Textural Jordan "Skate Shoe" Is a Work of Art
  • 90 Years of Japanese Bagmaking Comes to Paris (EXCLUSIVE)
  • Can You Make a Parisian Souvenir Shop Cool? Pigalle Says, Yes