Monday, Australia's second-largest brewer Lion Nathan Ltd. (LNN.AX) confirmed that it is in merger talks with beverage group Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd. (CCL.AX, CCLAY.PK, KO), pursuant to which Lion Nathan would acquire all outstanding shares of Coca-Cola Amatil under a scheme of arrangement.
The proposed offer is $6.15 in cash plus 0.469 Lion Nathan ordinary shares per Coca-Cola share, representing about A$4.5 billion in cash and about 346 million Lion Nathan shares. The offer values Coca-Cola Amatil at about A$10.80 per share or A$8.0 billion, including share options.
The combined entity would be the leading Australian and New Zealand beverage company, with a strong and diversified business comprising leading brands of beer, soft drinks, spirits and fine wine.
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