Coca-Cola was placed on Creditwatch by S&P;.

Standard and Poor’s said Coke’s recent increased assumption of debt to finance its acquisitions had “potential negative implications” for its AAA long-term credit rating, the highest available. The rating service will keep Coke under observation and may decide at a later date to lower its rating. The action came one day after after Coca-Cola agreed to acquire Dr Pepper for $470 million. Earlier this month, Coke acquired Merv Griffin Enterprises for about $200 million.