23 May 2001 KonkurrenceStyrelsen (the Danish competition authority) approved Carlsberg Breweries' takeover of the Coca-Cola Tapperierne A/S in Denmark, previously owned by Coca-Cola Nordic Beverages (CCNB).
14 February this year The Coca-Cola Company and Carlsberg A/S reached an agreement regarding a division of CCNB's bottling operations. The agreement was subject to approval by the relevant competition authorities. With the Danish approval the groundwork is laid for the implementation of the practical aspects of the division of CCNB. The winding-up of CCNB will happen during year 2002.
Carlsberg Danmark A/S, a subsidiary of Carlsberg Breweries, is looking at the possibilities of a closer co-operation between Coca-Cola Tapperierne and the Danish beer activities which is expected to result in synergy effects of approx. NOK 65-75 million.
Carlsberg Breweries has also acquired the Finnish sales company Coca-Cola Juomat and its activities will be integrated into the Carlsberg Breweries owned Sinebrychoff brewery, which already bottled and distributed Coca-Cola products for the Finnish market.
CCNB has sold the Icelandic franchise bottler Vifilfell to local investors, and The Coca-Cola Company has bought the Swedish and Norwegian Coca-Cola activities. Carlsberg Breweries co-operates with Pepsico in Norway and Sweden.