Coca-Cola Co said it would exercise its right to buy Anheuser-Busch InBev’s (ABI.BR) stake in Africa’s biggest Coke drinks bottler, after the brewer’s takeover of SABMiller.
Coke, which formed Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) along with SABMiller and the South African owners of bottler Coca-Cola Sabco in 2014, had retained the right to buy SABMiller’s stake in the event of a change of control at the brewer.
Coke will negotiate terms of the deal with AB InBev in the coming months and continue talks with potential partners to refranchize CCBA, the company said on Monday.
Coke owns 11.3 percent of CCBA, while SABMiller holds 57 percent. The Gutsche family that owns Coke Sabco owns the rest of the bottler, which has operations in 12 markets across Southern and East Africa.
Coke’s other bottling partners include Coca-Cola FEMSA in Mexico and Latin America, Coca-Cola HBC AG and Coca-Cola Enterprises in Europe.
By Sruthi Ramakrishnan
Source: Reuters
Danone has appointed Carla Hilhorst to the newly created position of senior vice president of research and innovation categories and zones, as the company looks to make science the heart of its business. Hilhorst, who brings over 30 years of experience in research and innovation, will report directly to Isabelle Esser, Danone’s chief research, innovation, quality and food safety officer.
The move, part of Pernod Ricard’s strategy to enhance its premiumisation efforts, will allow the company to focus more resources on its portfolio of premium international spirits and champagne brands that drive the growth of its business. This decision aligns with the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable value for shareholders, employees, clients and partners.
Schai – who is the current CEO of Swiss chocolate company Lindt & Sprüngli’s Australian operation – has previously worked with Aryzta from 2015-2018, where he served in roles including managing director for Asia Pacific and global strategic business lead (McDonald’s). The fast-food giant McDonald’s is one of Aryzta’s significant clients.
