The Coca-Cola Company Exercises Call Option to Acquire Anheuser-Busch InBev’s Stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Coca-Cola Company today announced its intention to acquire 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.

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands and more than 3,800 beverage choices. Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world's most valuable and recognizable brands, our company’s portfolio features 20 billion-dollar brands, 18 of which are available in reduced-, low- or no-calorie options. Our billion-dollar brands include Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, Fanta, Sprite, Dasani, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Del Valle, Georgia and Gold Peak. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, we are the No. 1 provider of both sparkling and still beverages. More than 1.9 billion servings of our beverages are enjoyed by consumers in more than 200 countries each day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates. For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.

The Coca-Cola Company
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Source: The Coca-Cola Company

Released October 10, 2016