The Coca‑Cola Company Completes Transaction with Aujan Industries
09-24-2012
ATLANTA - The Coca‑Cola Company (NYSE: KO) today announced it has completed the transaction to acquire approximately half of the equity in Aujan Industries beverage business, one of the largest independent beverage companies in the Middle East. The transaction was initially announced in December 2011.
"Today begins the next era of growth for our system across the Middle East and North Africa," said Ahmet C. Bozer, President, Eurasia and Africa, The Coca‑Cola Company. "This transaction creates a platform for further cooperation between the Company, Aujan and existing bottling partners across the region to dramatically change the juice landscape."
This transaction allows The Coca‑Cola Company to expand its portfolio in the juice sector and continue to drive long-term value for all shareholders.
With the completion of the transaction, The Coca‑Cola Company has acquired 50 percent of the Aujan entity that holds the rights to Aujan-owned brands, and 49 percent of Aujan's bottling and distribution operations, excluding its operations in Iran.
The Coca‑Cola system — which currently employs more than 40,000 people across the Arab world—announced in October 2011 that it will invest $5 billion in the Middle East and North Africa region over the next 10 years.
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. Led by Coca‑Cola, the world's most valuable brand, our Company's portfolio features 15 billion dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca‑Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of 1.8 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, 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 employees. For more information, please visit http://www.coca-colacompany.com or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo.
About Aujan Industries
Established in 1905, Aujan Industries is one of the largest independent beverage companies in the Middle East. With over 2,500 employees and a turnover of over $850 million, it is one of the leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods companies in the region. The company's greatest strength is its well-established owned and licensed brands, including Rani, Vimto and Barbican. For more information, please visit www.aujan.com.
