Core Viewpoint - The coffee market remains dynamic, with Luckin Coffee's major shareholder, Dazhong Capital, considering a bid for Costa Coffee, which is currently owned by Coca-Cola, amid ongoing discussions and interest from other private equity firms [1][7]. Group 1: Costa Coffee's Background and Market Position - Costa Coffee was founded in 1971 by Italian immigrants in London, aiming to provide high-quality coffee comparable to that of Italy [2]. - The brand entered the Chinese market in 2006 and adopted a joint venture model, partnering with local companies to establish its presence [3]. - Initially, Costa aimed to open 2,500 stores in China by 2018 but later revised its target to 900 stores by 2020, ultimately achieving only 408 stores by late 2017 [4]. Group 2: Acquisition by Coca-Cola and Subsequent Challenges - Coca-Cola acquired Costa Coffee for $5.1 billion in August 2018, seeking to leverage Costa's supply chain and brand influence to expand into the coffee market [5]. - Despite global expansion, Costa faced significant challenges in China, including a store closure wave in 2020, where over 10% of its locations were shut down, particularly in northern cities [6]. Group 3: Current Developments and Future Prospects - Coca-Cola is reportedly evaluating the sale of Costa Coffee, potentially incurring significant losses, as it faces rising costs and competitive pressures [7]. - Dazhong Capital's interest in acquiring Costa Coffee suggests a strategy to leverage the brand's established presence while enhancing its digital capabilities through collaboration with Luckin Coffee [7].