Press Release: Commission close to settle antitrust probe into Coca-Cola practices in Europe

The European Commission on 19 October 2004 received commitments from The Coca-Cola Company regarding its business practices in the European Union. Commissioner Monti considered that the commitments were sufficient for a settlement decision, which would close a five-year probe. They would bring more competition to the European market for carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) and increase consumer choice in shops and at cafés. The commitments would be published for third-party comments before becoming final. This was only the second draft settlement decision to be reached since a new EU Antitrust Regulation came into force in May 2003 and the first one to apply Europe wide.