THE COCA-COLA/CADBURY SCHWEPPES
PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
Coca-Cola has decided not to acquire the Schweppes mark
The Authority has completed its investigation into THE COCA-COLA COMPANY and CADBURY SCHWEPPES Plc by issuing a nolle prosequi order following the decision of THE COCA-COLA COMPANY and CADBURY SCHWEPPES Plc not to proceed with the operation in Italy.
The investigation was into the acquisition by THE COCA-COLA COMPANY of the Schweppes and Canada Dry marks owned by CADBURY SCHWEPPES. This operation formed part of a worldwide operation under which THE COCA-COLA COMPANY intended to acquire the trademarks of beverages owned by CADBURY SCHWEPPES and the related operations, excluding the marks and operations in the United States, France and South Africa.
The investigation was scheduled for completion by 29 May 1999, and was designed to ascertain whether the operation might create or strengthen a dominant position by THE COCA-COLA COMPANY on the non-alcoholic effervescent beverages market to a degree that might substantially reduce competition on the market to a lasting extent.
On 24 May 1999, THE COCA-COLA COMPANY notified the Authority that it had decided against acquiring the CADBURY SCHWEPPES marks in all the countries of the European Union except the United Kingdom, Ireland and Greece. It therefore withdrew the acquisition notification of the operation in Italy.
Rome, 3 June 1999