国民汽水大窑，也要被卖了？

Core Viewpoint - KKR is reportedly close to acquiring an 85% stake in the Chinese beverage company Daya, which has gained recognition in recent years, particularly in the restaurant channel, and is looking to expand its market presence [1][3][8]. Group 1: Company Overview - Daya was founded in the 1980s and has recently gained traction outside of Inner Mongolia, with its products now exported to Russia and Southeast Asia [1][3]. - The company has been exploring an IPO to raise up to $500 million but has publicly stated that it is currently focused on operational development rather than listing [3][8]. - Daya's sales strategy focuses on the restaurant channel, which accounts for over 85% of its sales since 2014, with a network of over 1,000 distributors and a retail presence in all 31 provinces of China [7][8]. Group 2: KKR's Investment Strategy - KKR, founded in 1976, has over $664 billion in assets under management and has been actively investing in various sectors, including consumer goods in China [3][4]. - The firm has a history of investing in Chinese consumer brands, including Haier and ByteDance, and is known for its post-investment management capabilities [4][9]. - KKR's potential acquisition of Daya represents a strategic move to capitalize on the growing Chinese beverage market, which is dominated by international giants like Coca-Cola and Pepsi [8][10]. Group 3: Market Context and Challenges - The Chinese beverage market is heavily influenced by major players, with Coca-Cola and Pepsi controlling approximately 95% of the market share [8][10]. - Daya faces challenges in expanding its brand recognition and distribution beyond the restaurant channel to larger retail outlets [8][10]. - The recent positive market signals and KKR's investment reflect a growing confidence in the Chinese consumer market, potentially leading to increased foreign investment in local brands [10].