Finance

Nestle pushes ahead with about $5.75 billion Perrier and San Pellegrino deal, FT reports

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on March 27, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: April 1, 2026

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Nestle pushes ahead with about $5.75 billion Perrier and San Pellegrino deal, FT reports
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March 27 (Reuters) - Nestle's sale of a multibillion euro stake in its water business has moved forward, with private equity firms CD&R, KKR and PAI advancing to the next round of bidding for a 50%

Nestle pushes ahead with about $5.75 billion Perrier and San Pellegrino deal, FT reports

Progress and Details of Nestle's Water Business Stake Sale

Advancement of Bidding Process

March 27 (Reuters) - Nestle's sale of a multibillion euro stake in its water business has moved forward, with private equity firms CD&R, KKR and PAI advancing to the next round of bidding for the stake, the Financial Times reported on Friday.

Valuation and Interested Parties

Estimated Value of the Deal

The 50% stake sale could value the business at about 5 billion euros ($5.75 billion), and Platinum Equity has also expressed interest in the deal, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter.

Responses from Stakeholders

Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Nestle, KKR, PAI and Platinum Equity did not immediately respond to requests for comment. CD&R declined to comment.

Background and Strategic Moves

Brands Involved in the Sale

Nestle has been working with investment bankers to explore a stake sale in its European water business, which includes brands such as San Pellegrino, Perrier and Acqua Panna, with bids due earlier this month, according to the report.

Advisory and Retention Plans

Role of Rothschild

The Swiss food giant had hired Rothschild to advise on the sale of its water division, Reuters previously reported, adding that Nestle was aiming to retain a stake in the business.

Additional Information

($1 = 0.8693 euros)

(Reporting by Bipasha Dey in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas and Devika Syamnath)

Key Takeaways

  • A formal sale process for Nestlé’s water division, valued near €5 billion, was launched in early 2026, with Rothschild & Co and Deutsche Bank advising on the deal. (foodnavigator.com)
  • Private equity suitors advancing to the next bidding round include CD&R, KKR, PAI, and Platinum Equity. (lemonde.fr)
  • The sale reflects Nestlé’s broader strategy under CEO Philipp Navratil to pivot toward core brands and potentially deconsolidate the water business by 2027. (lemonde.fr)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Which companies are bidding for Nestle's water business?
Private equity firms CD&R, KKR, PAI, and Platinum Equity are advancing to the next round of bidding for Nestle's water business stake.
What is the estimated value of the Nestle water business stake?
The 50% stake in Nestle's water business could be valued at about 5 billion euros, or $5.75 billion.
Which water brands are included in the Nestle sale?
The sale involves a stake in Nestle's Perrier and San Pellegrino water business.
Has the sale been confirmed by all parties involved?
Reuters could not immediately verify the Financial Times report on the sale progress.
Which currency conversion rate is mentioned for the deal?
The report mentions an exchange rate of $1 to 0.8693 euros.

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