Beirut, Lebanon; January 28th, 2014

Aujan Coca-Cola Beverages Company (ACCBC), the leading regional drinks manufacturer with operations across the breadth of North Africa and Middle East, announced today that it has signed a formal, legally binding share purchase agreement with Transmed to buy a majority stake in the National Beverage Company SAL (NBC), the manufacturer and distributor of Coca-Cola and Pampa products in Lebanon.

ACCBC was established following an approximately US$ 1 Billion partnership between The Coca-Cola Company and Aujan Industries. The company is the authorised manufacturer of brands including Rani and Barbican, and is also the licensed manufacturer in the Middle East of Vimto. ACCBC currently operates from 15 countries across the Middle East and its products are sold in more than 70 markets worldwide.

Nicolaas Nusmeier, CEO of ACCBC, said: This partnership reflects ACCBCs commitment to invest in beverages for long term growth, and we look forward to developing and growing this business over time. We will work closely with the local team over the coming months as we embark on what we believe will be a highly successful partnership for the employees, consumers and suppliers of NBC.

Fouad Es-Said, Chairman & CEO of Transmed, said:  "This is a great deal for both companies. It allows Transmed to focus on growing its core distribution business across the Levant, Middle East and African regions while partnering with the leading regional drinks manufacturer in the region, ACCBC, in its beverages business in Lebanon."

ACCBC and Transmed anticipate the full transaction will be completed within the first half of 2014.

-Ends-

About Aujan Coca-Cola Beverages Company:
The Aujan Coca-Cola Beverages Company (ACCBC) is the authorised manufacturer of brands including Rani and Barbican, and is also the licensed manufacturer in the Middle East of VIMTO. It was established following a US$ 1 Billion joint venture between The Coca-Cola Company and Aujan Industries, which also led to the creation of Rani Refreshments, the global rights holder to brands such as Rani and Barbican. ACCBC currently operates from two manufacturing facilities in the Middle East, located in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai, UAE.

For further information, please contact:
Memac Ogilvy Public Relations
Beirut, Lebanon
Carmen El Hajj/ Layale Abou Antoun
Tel: 01-486065 ext. 130
Email: carmen.el-hajj@ogilvy.com
Layale.abouantoun@ogilvy.com

Press Release 2014