Coke Agrees to Buy Stake in Australian...

Coke Agrees to Buy Stake in Australian Firm: Coca-Cola Co. would acquire at least 41% of a major Australian food and tobacco company, Amatil Ltd., under a proposed reorganization plan. The deal has been approved by the boards of Coke, Amatil and BAT Industries, which is Amatil’s largest shareholder, but is subject to the approval of Amatil shareholders and Australian regulatory authorities. Under the proposal, Amatil would concentrate on its core business of snack foods and soft drinks and would spin off its tobacco interests into a new company. Amatil is one of the largest Coca-Cola bottlers in the world and one of Australia’s largest companies.