Coca-Cola Enterprises an independent bottler of Coke products in Europe, agreed to a three-way merger with two other bottlers in that region to form the largest independent bottler for the famed soda brand.
The combination of CCE, Coca-Cola Iberian Partners and Germany’s Coca-Cola Erfrischungsgetränke AG will create a company spanning 13 countries with 2015 revenue of about $12.6 billion, Coca-Cola Enterprises said Thursday in a statement.
The transaction advances Coca-Cola Co.’s goal of consolidating bottling operations around the world and trimming expenses, as the deal is forecast to lead to annual cost savings of as much as $375 million after three years. Though the beverage giant is a separate business, it works closely with the bottlers, and will own a stake in the new company.
Full content: The New York Times
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