Coca-Cola to buy AB InBev stake for $3.2bn

Shanghai - Coca-Cola has entered into a deal to buy Anheuser-Busch InBev's [JSE:ANB] 54.5% stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa for $3.2bn, the companies said.

In addition, the companies have reached an agreement for Coca-Cola to buy AB InBev’s interest in bottling operations in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho, El Salvador and Honduras for an undisclosed amount, according to a statement on Wednesday.

Coca-Cola plans to hold all of these territories temporarily until they can be refranchised to other partners, according to the statement.

Coca-Cola, the world’s largest soft-drink maker, is exiting all its bottling operations in China, as it pursues an asset-light strategy.

The Atlanta-based company has announced plans to speed up refranchising of its bottling operations as it seeks to reduce exposure to facilities that are more capital-intensive and low-margin.

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