"Chinese media outlet Yicai Global, citing LatePost, reported that a deal has been signed but not yet finalized. Bloomberg reported on March 4 that the Chinese investment firm was in "advanced talks" to acquire the chain, citing "people familiar with the situation." In what it described as an "exclusive," Chinese news outlet 36Kr said the "less than $400 million" deal includes Blue Bottle's global coffee shop business, but Nestlé would retain Blue Bottle's consumer goods business, including packaged coffee, instant coffee and ready-to-drink products."
"Nestlé acquired a majority stake in California-born Blue Bottle Coffee in 2017 in a deal worth approximately $425 million, valuing the company at more than $700 million. The deal sent shockwaves through the specialty coffee world, continuing a trend toward big-money consolidation in craft-focused or "Third Wave" specialty coffee."
"According to numerous credible reports, Nestlé began exploring the sale of Blue Bottle Coffee last year, enlisting an investment bank to review options. Nestlé marketing materials say there are currently more than 100 Blue Bottle cafes across the United States and Asia. As of December 2025, Blue Bottle had 78 U.S. locations alone."
Centurium Capital, the controlling shareholder of Chinese coffee chain Luckin Coffee, is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire Blue Bottle Coffee from Nestlé for less than $400 million. The proposed deal would include Blue Bottle's global coffee shop business, while Nestlé would retain its consumer goods division, including packaged and instant coffee products. Nestlé originally acquired a majority stake in Blue Bottle in 2017 for approximately $425 million. Blue Bottle currently operates over 100 cafes across the United States and Asia. Nestlé began exploring the sale of Blue Bottle last year with investment banking assistance. None of the companies involved have publicly confirmed the transaction.
Read at Daily Coffee News by Roast Magazine
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