Regulatory filings indicate that The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) has executed its right to increase its stake in Keurig Green Mountain Inc (NYSE:GMCR) from 10% to 16%. The soft drink maker now owns more than 26 million shares of Keurig Green Mountain.
Coca-Cola buys more Keurig Green Mountain
The filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission indicates that Atlantic Industries, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO), purchased the additional shares. The company bought about 2.8 million shares of Keurig Green Mountain Inc (NYSE:GMCR) between May 8 and May 12 in the open market. Atlantic used cash on hand to make the purchase.
Atlantic also entered into an agreement with Credit Suisse Capital LLC to buy more shares of Keurig Green Mountain Inc (NYSE:GMCR) from the firm. Atlantic owns nearly 19.5 million of those shares, assuming that it has the right to buy more than 6.5 million shares of Keurig Green Mountain. Those shares must be purchased by Feb. 13, 2015, and the timing of the purchase will be determined by Credit Suisse Capital.
Coca-Cola partners with Keurig Green Mountain
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) bought its 10% minority stake in Keurig Green Mountain Inc (NYSE:GMCR) in February. The agreement between the two companies included a right for Coca-Cola to increase its stake in Keurig Green Mountain to 16%. Under the terms of the deal, the two companies are partnering in the production and sales of Coca-Cola branded pods for Green Mountain’s cold beverage maker. They also said they would be exploring more opportunities for collaboration on Keurig’s cold beverage system, which is expected to be available for purchase next year.
Keurig Green Mountain Inc (NYSE:GMCR) issued new shares for the deal with The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO). Along with its latest earnings report, the company said it would “execute a meaningful share repurchase program” under its current $1.1 billion share repurchase authorization.
What does David Einhorn have to say?
David Einhorn has been vocal about his short position in Keurig Green Mountain Inc (NYSE:GMCR). When he released his last quarterly letter in April, he said he had “lots to say” about the partnership with The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO). So far though, he hasn’t publicly discussed his thoughts about it.
