Coca-Cola bottlers in Japan in talks over merger

In Japan it has been announced that two leading Coca-Cola bottlers have reached a basic agreement to merge.

Coca-Cola East Japan and Coca-Cola West bottle and distribute most of the Coca-Cola drinks sold in Japan.

The deal, which could be completed as early as next spring, will see the move create a company with annual sales of more than $9.95 billion.

It’s being reported that together they will surpass the sales volume of current market leader Suntory.

Coca-Cola West is expected to remain on the Tokyo stock exchange.

A statement from Coca-Cola West said: “We have mostly agreed to a business integration. As announced on April 26, we are in discussions regarding a potential integration but have not reached the final agreement and have made no further announcements.

“As such, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”