ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Coca-Cola Enterprises (NYSE:CCE) today announced that the company will seek a secondary listing of its ordinary shares on the Professional Segment of NYSE Euronext in Paris.
The decision for CCE to list in Paris follows the Company’s sale of its North American business to The Coca-Cola Company and its acquisition of The Coca-Cola Company’s bottling operations in Norway and Sweden in the fourth quarter 2010. As the pre-eminent Western European bottler of Coca-Cola products, CCE employs 13,500 employees across Belgium, continental France, Great Britain, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. The company distributes a wide range of beverages, including regular, no- and low-calorie sparkling, energy and sports drinks; waters; juices and juice drinks; coffees; and teas.
“Coca-Cola Enterprises is committed to our operations in Western Europe, and this secondary listing will provide European investors the opportunity to more easily benefit from our long-term growth plans,” said John F. Brock, chairman and chief executive officer. “Our solid track record of success is built on our commitment to deliver world-class brands and superior customer service to capture the growth opportunities in Europe.”
The Company’s secondary listing will complement its primary listing on the NYSE. As a European-focused business headquartered in the United States and listed on the NYSE, CCE can easily and efficiently obtain a secondary listing on the NYSE Euronext in Paris through its Fast Path program. The listing is expected to gain regulatory approval in mid- to late-second quarter 2011, at which time shares will begin trading under the stock symbol “CCE.” The listing will not alter CCE’s share count, capital structure or current stock listing on the NYSE.
Upon receipt of regulatory approval, CCE will publish a prospectus in connection with the secondary listing, which will be posted on the Company’s website.
Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. is the leading Western European marketer, distributor, and producer of bottle and can liquid nonalcoholic refreshment and the world’s third largest independent Coca-Cola bottler. CCE is the sole licensed operator for products of The Coca-Cola Company in Belgium, continental France, Great Britain, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. For more information about our company, please visit our website at www.cokecce.com.