Coca-Cola Boosts Investment in European Smoothie Maker Innocent

       By Paul Ziobro 

    Coca-Cola Co. (KO) boosted its investment in European smoothie company Innocent Drinks, giving the world's largest drink maker a majority stake.

    Coca-Cola is buying the majority of the founders' remaining shares, leaving them with a minority stake. Terms of the transaction, which is subject to government approval, weren't disclosed.

    Coca-Cola first invested in Innocent four years ago and has gradually built up its stake.

    Innocent had sales of GBP209 million, double what it was in 2008.

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