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.”
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