Largest Coke Bottler Completes Franchise Territory Expansion

CHARLOTTE, NC -- Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, the nation's largest independent Coca-Cola bottler, said it has closed the last of its previously announced agreements with Coca-Cola Co. to expand its franchise territory. Coca-Cola Refreshments USA Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Coca-Cola Co., had served the territories.

The deal grants Coke Consolidated the Paducah and Pikeville, KY, territories. The Charlotte, NC, bottler has also exchanged its franchise territory in Jackson, TN, for territory previously served by Coca-Cola Refreshments USA in Lexington, KY, as part of the agreement.

These closings represent the final phase of the proposed franchise territory expansion between Coke Consolidated and Coca-Cola Co.

Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Coca-Cola Consolidated has franchise territories in 11 states.