Coca-Cola said it plans to merge with JTL Corp.

The merger with JTL, which operates Coca Cola bottling companies in the West, will form the largest independent soft-drink bottler in the world. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The new company will operate in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Coca-Cola will own a majority of the equity in the company, but John T. Lumpton of Chattanooga, Tenn., who is the principal stockholder of JTL, will be “a significant shareholder” and will serve as chairman of the new company, Coca Cola Co. said.