EU reaches legally binding agreement with Coke on sales practices

<p>The European Union said Wednesday it had reached a legally binding agreement with The Coca-Cola Co. that will allow the world's largest soft-drink maker to escape a fine but forces changes in its sales practices in Europe.</p><p>Under the deal, the Atlanta-based soft drink maker will not be able to strike exclusive arrangements with stores and cafes in Europe that stop them from serving rival brands.</p><p>The company will also not be allowed to force retailers to stock its less popular brands alongside Coke and it will have to allow retailers to put rival brands in its coolers alongside bottles and cans of Coca-Cola.</p><p>"This will have a considerable impact on the consumer," said EU spokesman Jonathan Todd.</p><p>___</p><p>On the Net:</p><p>The Coca-Cola Co.: www.coca-cola.com</p>