No deal has been reached, but Coca-Cola is in talks with Glacéau, which makes the popular Vitaminwater brand that helped pioneer and popularize enhanced water, one of the industry's hottest
categories. It's not clear whether Coke wants to acquire Glacéau outright or buy a substantial stake. Negotiations still could fall apart.
Glacéau, of Whitestone, N.Y., could
be a good fit for Coke as it tries to reverse sales declines in its U.S. business and improve its non-soda lineup. Coke has been working to develop new waters and teas internally, while ramping up its
search for acquisitions. In February, Coke acquired Fuze Beverage, an Englewood Cliffs, N.J., maker of energy, tea and vitamin-enhanced drinks.
Coke also has held talks with executives
at Arizona Beverage Co., Lake Success, N.Y., about the possible acquisition of Arizona teas, according to sources. Representatives of Arizona Beverage and Glacéau could not be reached to comment.
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