Swire Coca-Cola Finalizes Refranchising For Arizona And New Mexico

DRAPER, UT -- Swire Coca-Cola USA said it has completed a refranchising deal for Coca-Cola Co.'s territories in Arizona and New Mexico. Swire Coca-Cola's operation in the territories commenced July 30. Its acquisition includes eight sales and distribution facilities.

The agreement enlarges Swire's footprint in the U.S. The Utah-based company now operates in 13 western states. Prior to this purchase, Swire had smaller territories in Arizona and New Mexico. The deal increases its workforce by 1,450 employees, and the population it serves will increase to 19 million people.

Swire Coca-Cola USA is a part of the beverages division of Swire Pacific Ltd., the exclusive Coca-Cola bottler in Taiwan and in seven provinces in mainland China. It is the third-largest independent Coca-Cola bottler in the U.S.