The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is, as Zac Bissonnette recently discussed, in the process of trying to purchase juice-maker China Huiyuan Juice Group. He was a bit skeptical about this deal, wondering if it will truly add value to Coke's operations. I have to admit, when I heard about this $2.5 billion bid, I wasn't overly excited. I thought to myself, will this multibillion-dollar potential transaction be as exciting as the Glaceau purchase (Glaceau, of course, gave Coke access to the wonderful Vitamin Water brand)? Billions here and billions there do add up, and one has to make sure that such acquisitions do not screw too badly with things like share repurchases and dividends.

Now comes word from the DealBook blog over at The New York Times that the transaction has a legal hurdle to go through. It doesn't seem to give odds on the possibility of approval, but it says that this will be the first case presented under a new antitrust law put into effect by China a little over a month ago. Traders have sent shares of China Huiyuan Juice Group lower under speculation that the transaction is not a sure bet.

As a shareholder of Coke, I do have mixed feelings, but I have to say that I understand where management is coming from. Coke wants to grow, and China is definitely a country that big brands in America need to exploit. And juice categories are expanding as consumers step away from carbonated beverages in search of a healthier drink experience. Consider that arch rival PepsiCo, Inc. (NYSE: PEP) is looking at deals around the world all the time. Coke obviously wants to pick its spots carefully and see where it can do a transaction that makes sense before its number-one competitor does the same.

Continue reading Will Coke succeed with its latest juice acquisition?

Will Coke succeed with its latest juice acquisition? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.