This is another significant step in consolidating and strengthening the independent bottling system in the U.S. It will further enhance the strategic alignment between Dr Pepper/Seven Up and its key bottlers.

199

The adjustments we have made to the transaction in no way diminish the validity of this strategy.

181

Europe is our second-largest beverages market and has demonstrated strong profit growth over the last few years.

179

We have secured a premium price for a substantial number of our beverages businesses, ... We will retain robust and profitable beverages operations in the U.S.A. and Europe and simultaneously broaden our strategic options for the further development of the company.

169

We [the UK] need to have the humility and common sense to learn from the success of others.

147

Finland, for example, has a world-renowned education system which has played a major part in its economic transformation.

127

Our beverages operations are now clearly focused in profitable markets of North America, Continental Europe and Australia.

110

I suspect in due course they will reach a fruitful conclusion.

106