THE much delayed merger to create Africa’s largest Coca-Cola bottler was finally given the nod on Tuesday by the Competition Tribunal.Approval was granted after conditions for the tie-up between divisions of SAB and Coca-Cola and the operations of the Gutsche family were hammered out in lengthy talks with Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel, trade unions and the Competition Commission.The commission finally approved the deal after the merging parties agreed to a series of conditions on employment, empowerment, localisation of inputs for Coca-Cola and Appletiser products and access to retail cooler (refrigerator) space for small beverage producers. The merging parties said on Tuesday the deal, which was originally announced more than 18 months ago, would be implemented as soon as practicable.SABMiller CEO Alan Clark said the merger would deliver demonstrable benefits to SA through significant inward investment, additional tax revenues, job creation, small-enterprise creation,...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.