In December of 2015, Birmingham based Coca-Cola United signed letters of intent to re-franchise the Atlanta distribution territory.
Accordingly, the transaction recently closed and the Birmingham Coca-Cola United headquarters will now operate facilities in the neighboring state.
Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Inc. is the third largest bottler of Coke products, in the U.S., and the largest in North America. Â Since 1902, the Birmingham headquarters have engaged in production, marketing, and distribution of the iconic drink.
This acquisition provides UNITED with 7 more territories in Georgia. The facilities bought include distribution & production facilities.
“It’s both humbling and a tremendous opportunity to be the local bottler in the hometown of The Coca-Cola Company, and we take this new responsibility very seriously.
We have extremely talented and experienced sales and production teams here in Atlanta, and I am impressed with their dedication to our local customers and communities.”
– Mike Suco, VP of the East Region for Coca-Cola UNITED, exclaimed in the release.
The acquisition will continue Coca-Cola UNITED’s expansion adding 10% to its labor force in Atlanta.
- 2,000 new associates
- 200 new jobs
A UNITED capital investment of $25 million will provide new equipment, facilities, and a delivery fleet in Atlanta. In addition, UNITED plans another $100 million in local capital investments in Atlanta during the next few years.
“The Atlanta Coca-Cola team is excited to be joining the Coca-Cola UNITED family.
UNITED’s local operating model is built on relationships, the highest levels of customer service, and community engagement.
Atlanta Coca-Cola is ready to deliver!”
–Â Victor Ragland, Atlanta division director
This Birmingham based partner of The Coca-Cola Company will soon operate in 52 territories, across 7 Southeastern states, and employ about 10,000 associates.
Acquisitions of this size spell confidence for the corporate giant and  reinforce Birmingham’s ability to host and grow successful companies.
