Coca-Cola looks to sell Costa Coffee
The beverage giant is reviving a plan to unwind its $5 billion acquisition of the British coffee chain it purchased in 2018.
Coca-Cola is considering selling Costa Coffee, the British coffeehouse it acquired for $5.1 billion in 2018, following earlier attempts to offload the brand that fell through. The American beverage giant explored a potential sale last year but ultimately called off the sales process due to a lack of interest from private equity investors.
While it is unclear what price Coca-Cola might seek if it decides to market Costa Coffee again, the company's previous efforts to sell the brand indicate a struggle to grow the business meaningfully. Costa Coffee currently operates 2,700 outlets in the UK and Ireland, employing 20,000 people, and has been focusing on attracting younger consumers with a menu featuring more iced drinks and matcha.
The coffee chain attempted to reopen its revamped high street outlets in early 2026, coinciding with Coca-Cola's reported abandonment of the sale plans. Costa's CEO, Philippe Schillee, expressed confidence in the business with the opening of its new Hertfordshire headquarters in January 2027, which will accommodate 300 workers.
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