Growing Coca-Cola

The Coca-Cola Company is intending to expand its global reach by acquiring Anheuser-Busch InBev’s (ABI) stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) following the closing of the ABI combination with SABMiller.

The company has chosen to exercise its right to acquire ABI’s stake in CCBA because it intends to implement its long-term strategic plan in these markets with other partners. While the company respects ABI’s capabilities, it has a number of existing partners who are highly qualified and interested in these bottling territories.

During the next few months the company will negotiate the terms of the transaction with ABI according to the contractual parameters, which will later be followed by a regulatory approval process. The Coca-Cola Company also will continue negotiations with potential partners and plans to refranchise CCBA as soon as practical following regulatory approval. The company’s intent is to account for the acquired stake as a discontinued operation for reporting purposes.