Coffee is one of the Strauss Group's fastest growing activities. If a deal is signed, Strauss is expected to gain over $200 million.
The group's coffee activity in Russia is concocted by Strauss's coffee subsidiary, in which Strauss Group holds 75% and TPG Capital – which invested $293 million in the company in 2007 – holds 25%.
The reason for Strauss's decision to sell is unknown and it is estimated that the company received acquisition offers. As the Russia coffee market is lucrative for Strauss, which is the second largest player on that market with a 13% market stake, the initiative likely did not come from the group.
Strauss's coffee activity in the Russian market amounted to a mere $20 million in 2007, but has grown significantly since. On the first half of 2012, the company's sales in Russia and FSU countries amounted to NIS 398 million (about $103 million), with estimated annual revenues of NIS 800 million ($206 million).
Strauss said in response to this report, "The group routinely negotiates with many parties in the food and beverage industry and does not comment on reports regarding such negotiations."
This report was originally published in Hebrew by Calcalist