Xin Lang Cai Jing·2025-11-14 11:33Core Viewpoint - Centurium Capital is considering a bid for Costa Coffee, currently owned by Coca-Cola, which could significantly enhance Luckin Coffee's market position and international expansion efforts [3][6]. Group 1: Centurium Capital and Luckin Coffee - Centurium Capital, a major shareholder of Luckin Coffee, is evaluating a potential acquisition of Costa Coffee, although the specifics of any proposal are not yet finalized [3]. - In 2020, Centurium Capital played a crucial role in rescuing Luckin Coffee during its financial scandal, providing significant investment that allowed the company to focus on its core business [5]. - Luckin Coffee's current ownership structure shows that Centurium Capital and Joy Capital remain significant shareholders, with Centurium holding a 31.3% stake and controlling 53.6% of the voting rights [5]. Group 2: Costa Coffee's Market Position - Costa Coffee has been under consideration for sale by Coca-Cola, with Apollo Global Management and KKR among potential buyers, although formal offers are still in early stages [8]. - Coca-Cola's CEO indicated that the company has struggled to find a suitable growth path for Costa Coffee, prompting the decision to explore a sale [8]. - As of November 2024, Costa Coffee's store count in China has decreased to 389, a 14% drop from 2023, highlighting competitive pressures from Luckin Coffee and Starbucks [9]. Group 3: Industry Dynamics - The coffee market is increasingly competitive, with significant capital movements among brands, as seen with recent investments in Starbucks China and potential acquisitions involving Luckin Coffee and Costa [9]. - The integration of Chinese brands like Luckin Coffee into the international coffee market raises questions about their ability to reshape the competitive landscape [9].