The Coca-Cola Company and Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) have reached an agreement regarding the transition of AB InBev’s 54.5% equity stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) for $3.15 billion, after customary adjustments. In addition, the companies have reached an agreement in principle for The Coca-Cola Company to acquire AB InBev’s interest in bottling operations in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho, El Salvador and Honduras for an undisclosed amount.
Both Carlos Brito, CEO of AB InBev, and Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, have said they are pleased to have reached an amicable agreement.
Kent (pictured) said:
"We will move forward with our long-term strategic plan in these important growth markets. We are continuing negotiations with a number of parties who are highly qualified and interested in these bottling territories and look forward to refranchising these territories as soon as practical following regulatory approval."
The transactions are subject to the relevant regulatory and minority approvals and are expected to close by the end of 2017.
