Coca-Cola Bottling Company United announced Wednesday that it has signed a Letter of Intent with The Coca-Cola Company for expanded territory rights. The bottler will assume territories in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. These territories are as follows: Alexandria, Louisiana; Monroe, Louisiana; Natchez, Mississippi; New Iberia, Louisiana; New Orleans, Louisiana; Shreveport, Louisiana; Tallahassee, Florida; and Valdosta, Ga.
Expected transitions are subject to the parties reaching Definitive Agreements during 2015. Financial terms were not disclosed.
“Since 1899, we have had the privilege of distributing exceptional brands, serving our customers, refreshing consumers and supporting our communities in the Southeast,” said Claude B. Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola Bottling Company United. “Today’s announcement is evidence of our ongoing commitment to build, in partnership with The Coca-Cola Company, an even stronger and more aligned System to serve North America.
United has been granted great Coca-Cola franchises that will contribute positively to our scale and synergy. Due in large part to the collective and constructive effort of the entire Coca-Cola System, we increased our size substantially during 2014 and did so in a way that is very positive for the future. We met, on schedule, our key objectives for smooth employee, customer and community transitions. Through expansion, we were also fortunate to gain many talented associates for the United family. We learned a great deal during the 2014 transitions and continue to learn and improve today. Given the magnitude of the transaction announced today, we will take nothing for granted, but our 2014 experience gives us confidence that we can successfully repeat our performance.”
“We have made significant progress toward the implementation of our 21st Century Beverage Partnership Model in the U.S., which continues to strengthen our franchise system,” said Sandy Douglas, President, North America. “Today we mark another significant milestone in evolving our U.S. operations as we align for growth with Coca-Cola United – a partner that has proven success, taken a generational view and consistently invested in capabilities and leadership. Together we continue to transform our U.S. business and move closer to achieving our 2020 Vision.”
Consistent with prior transactions in the newly granted territories, Coca-Cola United and The Coca-Cola Company will work collaboratively to implement key elements of the evolving 21st Century Beverage Partnership Model including:
- More rational and contiguous operating territories
· A grant of exclusive territory rights and the sale by Coca-Cola Refreshments (CCR) of distribution assets and cold drink equipment
· A finished goods model under which production assets will remain with CCR An improved, more integrated information technology platform
· A new beverage agreement that supports the evolving operating model
Founded in 1902, Coca-Cola Bottling Company United is the third largest Coca-Cola bottling company in the United States and is headquartered in Birmingham, Ala.