The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) today announced plans to list CCBA as a publicly traded company.
CCBA is the 8th largest Coca-Cola bottling partner in the world by revenue, and the largest on the continent. It accounts for 40 percent of all Coca-Cola products sold in Africa by volume. With over 16,000 employees in Africa, CCBA services millions of customers with a host of international and local brands.
Jacques Vermeulen, CEO of CCBA stated: “A standalone listing for CCBA will enable the bottler to build on its growth trajectory and access capital independently to meet the investment needs of the business, which is great for stakeholders across Africa.”
As reported, the Coca-Cola Company intends to sell a portion of its shareholding in CCBA via an initial public offering. The decision is in line with Coca-Cola’s objective of focusing its resources on building consumer-loved brands and innovation.The companies intend for an IPO within the next 18 months. The exact timing will be driven by a number of factors, including macroeconomic conditions. Shares will be listed in Amsterdam and Johannesburg, with Amsterdam being the primary exchange.
Bruno Pietracci, president of the Africa operating unit of The Coca-Cola Company said: “The Coca-Cola Company sees Africa as a key growth market and views a separate listing of CCBA as an opportunity to deliver a broad, supportive, long-term investor base for the ongoing development of the business.”
The IPO will allow CCBA to operate as an independent, Africa-focused, South African-headquartered, managed and domiciled business. The plans underscore The Coca-Cola Company’s continued and long-term belief and commitment to the African continent and the leadership of CCBA from South Africa.
