European Union Okays Coca-Cola Enterprises Merger Plans To Create World’s Largest Independent Bottler

The combination with Coca-Cola Iberian Partners (CCIP) and the German bottling business of Coca-Cola would create the world's largest independent bottler of Coke drinks by net revenue, present in Spain, France and Britain and 10 other countries.

Nov 10, 2015

Coca-Cola Company

Muhtar Kent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Coca-Cola Company, Sol Daurella, Executive Chairwoman of Coca-Cola Iberian Partners and John Brock, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. toast the creation of Coca-Cola European Partners.

Coca-Cola Enterprises and two other European bottlers of Coca-Cola drinks have secured unconditional European Union (EU) antitrust approval for their merger after regulators found no competition issues, according to Reuters.

The European Commission said a preliminary investigation opened on Oct. 2 did not show any possible competition issues.

"The proposed acquisition raises no competition concerns, as the activities of the bottlers do not overlap geographically and customers currently the Coca-Cola bottlers would continue to have sufficient alternative choices," the EU executive said.

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