China – Centurium Capital Partners, the lead investor in Luckin Coffee, is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire Nestlé’s Blue Bottle Coffee brand.
According to a Bloomberg report citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter, Centurium Capital is finalising the deal with the coffee roaster and retailer.
While discussions are reportedly at an advanced stage, the sources noted there is no guarantee an agreement will be reached. Bloomberg reported that Centurium did not immediately respond to a request for comment, while Nestlé declined to comment.
Separately,Chinese media outlet 36Kr reported that Centurium Capital has already agreed to acquire Nestlé’s global Blue Bottle Coffee stores for less than $400 million. Following the transaction, Nestlé is expected to retain Blue Bottle’s fast-moving consumer goods business, including coffee beans, instant coffee, and ready-to-drink products.
36Kr also reported that Blue Bottle Coffee is still operating at a loss. As of June 30, 2025, the company’s revenue over the previous 12 months was around $250 million, with $150 million from the United States and $100 million from the Asia-Pacific region.
Founded in Oakland, California, in 2002, Blue Bottle has outlets across the US, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.
Luckin Coffee, established nine years ago, has grown rapidly to become China’s largest coffee chain, operating approximately 31,000 stores. The company previously announced an investment agreement with an affiliate of Centurium Capital, with Centurium acting as the lead investor.
