Coca Cola HBC of Greece and Coca-Cola buy Bulgarian water company

<p>Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Co. SA said Monday it and Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Co. have jointly bought 100 percent of Bulgarian mineral water company, Bankia, for an undisclosed sum.</p><p>The move is in line with the Greek company's strategy of expanding into the non-carbonated drinks sector. On Thursday, Coca Cola HBC announced that the two companies bought the Russian fruit juice company Multon.</p><p>Bankia's assets include production facilities as well as the Bankia brand.</p><p>Coca Cola HBC has operations in 26 countries, including many parts of Europe and Russia. Coca Cola Co. has an indirect, 24 percent stake in the Greek bottler.</p><p>Shares of Coca Cola HBC rose 14 cents to $26.20 in late morning trading Monday on the New York Stock Exchange. The stock has been trading at a 52-week range of $21.01 to $28.19. Shares of The Coca-Cola Co. fell 3 cents to $41.35 on the NYSE. The stock has been trading at a 52-week range of $38.30 to $53.50.</p>

http://accesswdun.com/article/2005/4/148224