Luckin Coffee backer Centurium Capital wins bid for Blue Bottle, sources say

Centurium Capital, a major backer of Luckin Coffee, has successfully bid to acquire Blue Bottle Coffee's global retail stores, while Nestlé retains ownership of its coffee machines and capsules. The deal is signed but not finalized yet, with both companies choosing not to comment.

Key Points

• Centurium Capital is the controlling shareholder of Luckin Coffee.
• It has won the bid to acquire Blue Bottle Coffee's global retail store business.
• Nestlé will keep ownership of Blue Bottle's coffee machines and capsule operations.
• The transaction has been signed but is still pending closure.
• Neither Nestlé nor Centurium Capital has publicly commented on the deal.

Relevance

• This acquisition aligns with trends of consolidation in the coffee industry, reflecting the push for brands to expand their retail presence.
• In 2025, IT trends show an increasing focus on consumer experiences and brand loyalty, which may be enhanced by Blue Bottle's established retail network once integrated with Centurium's operations.
• The deal follows other significant acquisitions in the food and beverage sector, which aim to improve market reach and operational efficiency.

Centurium Capital's acquisition of Blue Bottle Coffee marks a significant move in the evolving coffee industry, indicating a trend towards consolidation and a focus on enhancing retail experiences for consumers.