“It is not a Coke-Pepsi issue, AB InBev is beer centric and they are acquisitive,” said Valera.
“However, we have other shareholders who own 60 percent (of Delta,) therefore our interest must be to defend the value in the hands of that shareholder.”
When asked what Delta would do if TCCC goes ahead to terminate the bottler’s agreement, Valela responded:
“Coca-Cola owns the brands and we own the assets. There are arrangements that are in place, but that is not going to be an optimum solution,” noted Valela.
Delta yesterday announced the appointment of Almeida Cabral De Soares, a representative of AB InBev to its board.
Gowero also said AB InBev executives were in the country to look at its operations.
Analyst Farai Murambiwa said that Delta appears to have a plan.
“I think they will break up the business, with Delta keeping the non-TCCC side of business,” he said.
Another analyst said it was possible that Delta could sell the sparkling beverages to the Econet Wireless owned Mutare Bottling Company, which is the only other bottler of Coca-Cola sparkling products in Zimbabwe.-The Source
See also:
Coca Cola to terminate Delta’s bottling deal
Delta’s choices over potential Coca-Cola exit
What’s next for Schweppes if Coca-Cola leaves?
How Coca-Cola’s pulling out will impact on Delta
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