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.

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.
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 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.

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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