Keurig Dr Pepper Announces Updated Financing Plan for JDE Peet’s Acquisition (Form 8-K)

Keurig Dr Pepper Announces Updated Financing Plan for JDE Peet's Acquisition

Company strengthens balance sheet by further reducing projected leverage and attracts additional high-quality investors

BURLINGTON, MA and FRISCO, TX (February 23, 2026) - Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (NASDAQ: KDP; "the Company") today announced updated financing plans and transaction timelines for the acquisition of JDE Peet's and subsequent planned separation into two independent companies ("Beverage Co." and "Global Coffee Co." pending the announcement of official corporate names).

Key developments include:

Commenting on the announcements, Keurig Dr Pepper CFO Anthony DiSilvestro stated: "Today's update demonstrates our commitment to ensuring strong and resilient capital structures at each stage of this transaction by introducing an additional $1.5 billion of cost-efficient equity capital into the financing and bringing on board a high-quality mix of shareholders who recognize the value creation opportunity ahead. Our comprehensive financing solution, combined with strong cash generation, will drive rapid deleveraging, reinforce KDP's balance sheet, and help to establish Beverage Co. and Global Coffee Co. as successful, investment-grade companies."

The Company now plans to finance the upcoming acquisition through a combination of approximately $9 billion of long-term debt, $8.5 billion of equity capital, and the assumption of approximately $5 billion of existing JDE Peet's bonds, resulting in projected combined net leverage of 4.5x1. The transaction, which is expected to close in early April 2026, remains forecasted to be approximately 10% EPS accretive in its first full year. The company continues to evaluate additional avenues to accelerate deleveraging, including potential non-core asset monetization opportunities.

Separation timing will be based on the achievement of key milestones, including appropriate leverage levels at each company, and supportive market conditions. Though exact timing of the tax-free spin of Global Coffee Co. is yet to be determined, key transformation workstreams continue to target operational readiness to separate by year-end 2026.

Equity Financing

The Company reached a definitive agreement to increase the size of the previously announced convertible preferred stock investment in KDP to $4.5 billion, from the $3 billion co-led by funds managed by affiliates of Apollo (NYSE: APO) and funds and accounts managed by KKR (NYSE: KKR). Accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Investment Management (TRPIM) have provided an anchor commitment to support the upsize, alongside significant additional participation from Apollo, KKR, and other high-quality, long-term oriented investors. Post separation, the instrument will remain with Beverage Co. 

The key terms of the instrument are substantially consistent with the October 2025 announcement, including an initial conversion price of $37.25 per share and a preferred dividend rate of 4.75%. As a result of the upsize, the Company will no longer consider a partial IPO of the Beverage Co.

In addition, definitive agreements for the Global Coffee Co. Pod Manufacturing JV have been executed on terms substantially consistent with the October 2025 announcement. The $4 billion investment into the joint venture will be co-led by Apollo and KKR with participation from Goldman Sachs Alternatives, as previously disclosed. The agreements are subject to customary closing conditions for transactions of this type.

Debt Financing

To complete the financing for the acquisition, the Company expects Global Coffee Co. to raise approximately $9 billion of debt capital through a mix of long-term senior debt and a temporary borrowing under the existing term loan facility. Global Coffee Co. will also assume approximately $5 billion of existing JDE Peet's bonds upon acquisition close.

After the separation is complete, and accounting for additional deleveraging that will occur between acquisition close and the spin-off transaction, Global Coffee Co. plans to issue junior subordinated notes to repay any remaining portion outstanding on the term loan.

ABOUT KEURIG DR PEPPER

Keurig Dr Pepper (Nasdaq: KDP) is a leading beverage company in North America, with a portfolio of more than 125 owned, licensed and partner brands and powerful distribution capabilities to provide a beverage for every need, anytime, anywhere. With annual revenue of more than $15 billion, we hold leadership positions in beverage categories including carbonated soft drinks, coffee, tea, water, juice and mixers, and have the #1 single serve coffee brewing system in the U.S. and Canada. Our innovative partnership model builds emerging growth platforms in categories such as premium coffee, energy, sports hydration and ready-to-drink coffee. Our brands include Keurig^®, Dr Pepper^®, Canada Dry^®, Mott's^®, A&W^®, Peñafiel^®, Snapple^®, 7UP^®, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters^®, GHOST^®, Clamato^®, Core Hydration^® and The Original Donut Shop^®. Driven by a purpose to Drink Well. Do Good., our 29,000 employees aim to enhance the experience of every beverage occasion and to make a positive impact for people, communities and the planet. For more information, visit www.keurigdrpepper.com and follow us @KeurigDrPepper on LinkedIn and Instagram.