Great Lakes to acquire Midwest production sites from Coca-Cola

Chicago-area Coca-Cola distributor Great Lakes Coca-Cola Distribution has signed a letter of intent to acquire six production facilities across Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin from The Coca-Cola Company.

The move represents Great Lakes’ entry into production in the Midwest and further strengthens its partnership with Coca-Cola. The letter of intent is part of Coca-Cola North America’s ongoing partnership model, which, in February, the company said it would accelerate in order to refranchise all remaining company-owned bottling territories in North America.

Swire Coca-Cola later said that it had reached a deal to acquire further territory in the Pacific Northwest, as part of the plans.

The sites that Great Lakes has just agreed to buy are located in Alsip and Niles, Illinois; Detroit and Grand Rapids, Michigan; Eagan, Minnesota; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

“The agreement allows Reyes Holdings and our family of businesses not only to grow our partnership with Coca-Cola, but also to become a producing bottler for the first time,” said Chris Reyes, founder and co-chairman of Reyes Holdings, the owner of Great Lakes Coca-Cola Distribution.

Coca-Cola North America president Sandy Douglas said: “This marks another key milestone in our partnership with Great Lakes, expanding our joint efforts through the sale of these Midwest bottling operations. We look forward to future collaboration that meets the needs of customers in the Midwest.” 

Great Lakes previously announced the expansion of its distribution territory across the Midwest. With the closing of those transactions in 2016 and 2017, Great Lakes will have exclusive rights for the sales and distribution of Coca-Cola beverages in additional territory – including in Michigan, much of Wisconsin, southern Minnesota and portions of northeastern Iowa and northern Illinois.

“Great Lakes and Coca-Cola are collectively dedicated to the service of our customers and employees in the communities we serve, and this announcement positions both organisations for continued success in the Midwest,” added Jude Reyes, founder and co-chairman of Reyes Holdings.

The letter of intent is subject to the parties reaching a definitive agreement, and it is anticipated that the production facilities shall transfer to Great Lakes in several closings during 2016 and 2017.