Blackstone/ Orangina: fizzy pop

Christopher Hughes There is always a bubble inflating somewhere. Right now that somewhere appears to be the fizzy-drinks market. Intense interest among Japanese buyers has created an opportunity for US private-equity firms Blackstone Group and Lion Capital to sell Orangina, the iconic French juice brand, possibly for as much as the $2.6bn they paid for it in 2006. Orangina may be a great name, but it is not exactly a great asset. Quirky advertising has helped keep the French keen on the oddly ...