USA: Coca-Cola to acquire SABMiller’s former stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa

Coca-Cola, the global soft drinks firm, has announced that it has decided to exercise its right to acquire the stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, Africa’s largest bottling company, formerly held by brewing firm SABMiller.

Coca-Cola said that the decision was made as a result of the acquisition of SABMiller by AB InBev, adding that it planned to implement long-term strategies in the African markets and aimed to do so with other partners interested in these bottling areas.

The soft drinks giant said that in the following months the company planned to negotiate with potential partners with aims to refranchise Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.

In an announcement, the firm is quoted as saying: "While the company respects [AB InBev’s] capabilities, it has a number of existing partners who are highly qualified and interested in these bottling territories".

Source: Coca-Cola / Wall St Journal