Nestlé’s global waters business, originally set for a spinoff in early 2025, may instead be sold. Private equity firms including PAI Partners, Bain Capital, Clayton Dubilier & Rice, and KKR are reportedly considering bids. According to Bloomberg sources, the unit, which generates $3.7 billion in annual sales, could be valued at around €5 billion ($5.38 billion).
Nestlé has been restructuring its portfolio, previously selling its U.S. bottled water brands to One Rock Capital Partners and Metropoulos & Co. in 2021. The company accelerated its reorganisation after CEO Laurent Freixe replaced Mark Schneider in September 2024. While Nestlé initially planned to establish a standalone waters business under Muriel Lienau, the latest reports suggest a sale is now a stronger possibility. Nestlé may retain a stake in the industry, as it did in its 2020 ice cream joint venture with PAI Partners.