8-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 29, 2016

 

 

COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware

 

 

0-9286

 

 

56-0950585

 

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

4100 Coca-Cola Plaza, Charlotte, North Carolina

 

 

28211

 

(Address of principal executive offices)           (Zip Code)

 

(704) 557-4400

 

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

  ¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
  ¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
  ¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
  ¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 


Item 1.01.          Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

Initial Regional Manufacturing Agreement. In connection with the closings under the October 2015 APA described in Item 8.01 below, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated (the “Company”) and The Coca-Cola Company entered into an Initial Regional Manufacturing Agreement (the “April 2016 Initial RMA”) on April 29, 2016 that governs the terms and conditions of the Company’s use of the Regional Manufacturing Facilities (as defined below) to manufacture certain beverage brands of The Coca-Cola Company. A first form draft of the April 2016 Initial RMA (the “September 2015 Form Initial RMA”) was included as Exhibit B to the non-binding letter of intent entered into by the Company and The Coca-Cola Company on September 23, 2015 (the “September 2015 Manufacturing LOI”) and filed as Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on September 28, 2015 (the “September 2015 Form 8-K”). On January 29, 2016, the Company and The Coca-Cola Company entered into an initial regional manufacturing agreement (the “January 2016 Initial RMA”), which is an updated form of the September 2015 Form Initial RMA, at the closing of the Company’s acquisition of its Sandston, Virginia manufacturing facility and related assets (the “Sandston Facility”). The January 2016 Initial RMA was described in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 29, 2016 and will be filed as an exhibit to the Company’s next Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Pursuant to the April 2016 Initial RMA, the Company and The Coca-Cola Company have agreed that the April 2016 Initial RMA replaces and supersedes the January 2016 Initial RMA with regards to the Sandston Facility. Consequently, the parties terminated the January 2016 Initial RMA upon their execution of the April 2016 Initial RMA on April 29, 2016. The April 2016 Initial RMA, while in large part similar to the September 2015 Form Initial RMA and the January 2016 Initial RMA, contains certain additional updates and negotiated changes to those forms of agreement. A summary description of the April 2016 Initial RMA, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto, is included below.

Pursuant to the April 2016 Initial RMA, The Coca-Cola Company has granted the Company rights to manufacture, produce and package at the Sandston Facility and at two regional manufacturing facilities located in Baltimore, Maryland and Silver Spring, Maryland (collectively, the “Regional Manufacturing Facilities”) certain beverages that are sold under trademarks owned by The Coca-Cola Company and referred to in the April 2016 Initial RMA as “Authorized Covered Beverages.” The Authorized Covered Beverages produced at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities may be used for distribution by the Company for its own account in accordance with comprehensive beverage agreements between the Company, The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company (“CCR”), and for sale by the Company to certain other U.S. Coca-Cola bottlers and to the Coca-Cola North America division of The Coca-Cola Company (“CCNA”) in accordance with the terms of the April 2016 Initial RMA. As part of these terms, CCNA will, from time to time, unilaterally establish the prices (or certain elements of the formula used to determine the prices) that the Company charges for sales of Authorized Covered Beverages to CCNA or to certain U.S. Coca-Cola bottlers.

Subject to the right of The Coca-Cola Company to terminate the April 2016 Initial RMA in the event of an uncured default by the Company, the April 2016 Initial RMA has a term that continues for the duration of the term of the Company’s comprehensive beverage agreements with The Coca-Cola Company and CCR. Other than Authorized Covered Beverages, certain beverage brands not owned or licensed by The Coca-Cola Company (“cross-licensed brands”) that the Company is permitted to distribute under its comprehensive beverage agreements, and certain other expressly permitted cross-licensed brands, the April 2016 Initial RMA provides that the Company will not manufacture at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities any Beverages, Beverage Components (as such terms are defined in the comprehensive beverage agreement between the parties) or other beverage products unless otherwise consented to by The Coca-Cola Company.

Pursuant to its terms, the April 2016 Initial RMA will be amended, restated and converted into a final form of regional manufacturing agreement (the “Final RMA”) concurrent with the conversion of the Company’s bottling agreements to a new and final comprehensive beverage agreement (the “Final CBA”) pursuant to the territory conversion agreement executed by the Company, CCR and The Coca-Cola Company on September 23, 2015, as described in the September 2015 Form 8-K and filed as Exhibit 10.1 thereto (as amended by the First Amendment to Territory Conversion Agreement executed by the parties on February 8, 2016 and filed as Exhibit 10.47 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 18, 2016, the “Territory Conversion Agreement”). An initial form of the Final RMA (the “September 2015 Form Final RMA”) was included as Schedule 9.4 to the September 2015 Form Initial RMA filed with the September 2015 Form 8-K and the form of the


Final CBA was included as Exhibit 1.1 to the Territory Conversion Agreement filed with the September 2015 Form 8-K. An updated form of the Final RMA (the “January 2016 Form Final RMA”) was attached as Schedule 9.4 to the January 2016 Initial RMA. The form of Final RMA attached as Schedule 9.4 to the April 2016 Initial RMA and included in Exhibit 10.1 hereto (the “April 2016 Form Final RMA”) is in large part similar to the September 2015 Form Final RMA and the January 2016 Form Final RMA, but contains certain updates and negotiated changes to those forms of agreement.

While the April 2016 Form Final RMA has terms similar to the April 2016 Initial RMA in many respects, under the April 2016 Form Final RMA, the Company’s aggregate business directly and primarily related to the manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages, permitted cross-licensed brands and other beverages and beverage products for The Coca-Cola Company will be subject to the same agreed upon sale process provisions included in the Final CBA, which include the need to obtain The Coca-Cola Company’s prior approval of a potential purchaser of such manufacturing business. The Coca-Cola Company will also have the right to terminate the Final RMA in the event of an uncured default by the Company.

CCNA Exchange Letter Agreement. In connection with the execution of the April 2016 Initial RMA, the Company and The Coca-Cola Company also entered into a letter agreement on April 29, 2016 (the “CCNA Exchange Letter”), pursuant to which CCNA will, on or before January 1, 2017, unilaterally establish and operate an exchange process (the “CCNA Exchange”). Under the CCNA Exchange, CCNA will unilaterally establish the prices (or certain elements of the formula used to determine the prices) that the Company charges for sales of Authorized Covered Beverages to CCNA or to certain U.S. Coca-Cola bottlers under the April 2016 Initial RMA and Final RMA. Under the CCNA Exchange Letter, the revenue the Company receives from sales of Authorized Covered Beverages to CCNA and to certain U.S. Coca-Cola bottlers pursuant to the terms of the April 2016 Initial RMA or Final RMA will be subject to adjustment as part of the CCNA Exchange. Any adjustment owed by the Company will be paid to the CCNA Exchange while any adjustment owed to the Company will be paid by CCNA, through the CCNA Exchange.

Descriptions of Agreements and Exhibits are Qualified by Full Text. The foregoing descriptions of the April 2016 Initial RMA and the CCNA Exchange Letter are only summaries and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of such agreements and all exhibits thereto, which are filed as Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Item 1.02.          Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement.

The disclosure required by this Item and contained in Item 1.01 above with regards to the January 2016 Initial RMA is incorporated by reference.

Item 8.01.          Other Events.

Distribution Territory Expansion Transaction. On April 29, 2016, the Company completed the final distribution territory expansion transaction contemplated by the asset purchase agreement entered into by the Company and CCR on September 23, 2015 (the “September 2015 APA”) at which CCR granted the Company the exclusive rights for the distribution, promotion, marketing and sale of products owned and licensed by The Coca-Cola Company in territories located in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia served by distribution facilities located in Baltimore, Hagerstown and Cumberland, Maryland (the “Territory”) and sold certain assets to the Company related thereto (the “Distribution Transaction”). The September 2015 APA is described in the September 2015 Form 8-K and filed as Exhibit 2.1 thereto. The closing of the Distribution Transaction represents the final phase of the distribution territory expansion described as the “Next Phase Territory” in the non-binding letter of intent entered into by the Company and The Coca-Cola Company on May 12, 2015 (the “May 2015 Distribution LOI”), as described in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 13, 2015 and filed as Exhibit 99.1 thereto.

Concurrent with, and as a condition to, the closing of the Distribution Transaction, the Company and CCR entered into (i) a comprehensive beverage agreement with respect to the Territory, which is in substantially the same form as the comprehensive beverage agreement the parties entered into effective May 23, 2014 in connection with the closing of an asset purchase agreement for the Company’s distribution territory in Johnson City and Morristown,


Tennessee (the “May 2014 Closing”) and filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 8, 2014 (the “August 2014 Form 10-Q”), as amended by the amendment to comprehensive beverage agreement entered into by the parties on June 1, 2015 and filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 7, 2015, and (ii) a finished goods supply agreement with respect to the Territory, which is in substantially the same form as the finished goods supply agreement the parties entered into effective May 23, 2014 in connection with the May 2014 Closing and filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the August 2014 Form 10-Q. Forms of these agreements were also filed with the September 2015 Form 8-K as Exhibit D and Exhibit H, respectively, to the September 2015 APA.

Silver Spring and Baltimore, Maryland Manufacturing Facilities Transaction. On April 29, 2016, the Company completed the interim and final manufacturing facility acquisitions contemplated by the definitive purchase and sale agreement entered into by the Company and CCR on October 30, 2015 (the “October 2015 APA”) at which CCR sold to the Company two Regional Manufacturing Facilities located in Silver Spring and Baltimore, Maryland and related manufacturing assets (the “Manufacturing Transaction”). The October 2015 APA is described in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 2, 2015 and filed as Exhibit 2.1 thereto. The closings of the Manufacturing Transaction represent the final phase of the manufacturing facility acquisitions described as the “Next Phase” manufacturing facilities in the September 2015 Manufacturing LOI, as described in the September 2015 8-K.

Balance of Proposed Expansion Transactions. The Company is continuing to work towards definitive agreements with The Coca-Cola Company and CCR for the remainder of the proposed distribution territory expansion transactions described in the May 2015 Distribution LOI, including remaining distribution territories in central and southern Ohio, northern Kentucky and parts of Indiana and Illinois (referred to as the “Subsequent Phase Territory” in the May 2015 Distribution LOI), and for the remainder of the proposed manufacturing facility acquisitions contemplated by the September 2015 Manufacturing LOI, including three regional manufacturing facilities located in Indianapolis and Portland, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio (referred to as the “Subsequent Phase” manufacturing facilities in the September 2015 Manufacturing LOI). The Company is also continuing to work towards definitive agreements with The Coca-Cola Company and CCR for the proposed distribution territory expansion transactions and manufacturing facility acquisition described in the non-binding letter of intent entered into by the Company and The Coca-Cola Company on February 8, 2016, as described in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 10, 2016 and filed as Exhibit 99.2 thereto, including distribution territories in northern Ohio and northern West Virginia and a regional manufacturing facility located in Twinsburg, Ohio. There is no assurance, however, that the parties will enter into such definitive agreements.

Relationship between the Parties. The business of the Company consists primarily of the production, marketing and distribution of nonalcoholic beverage products of The Coca-Cola Company in the territories the Company currently serves. Accordingly, the Company engages routinely in various transactions with The Coca-Cola Company, CCR and their affiliates. The Coca-Cola Company also owns approximately 34.8% of the outstanding common stock of the Company, which represents approximately 4.9% of the total voting power of the Company’s common stock and class B common stock voting together. The Coca-Cola Company also has a designee serving on the Company’s Board of Directors. For more information about the relationship between the Company and The Coca-Cola Company, see the description thereof included under “Related Person Transactions” in the Company’s Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement for the Company’s 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed with the SEC on March 30, 2016.

Item 9.01.          Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

  (d)  Exhibits.

 

Exhibit No. 

  

Description

  

        Incorporated By Reference To        

10.1*

   Initial Regional Manufacturing Agreement, dated April 29, 2016, between the Company and The Coca-Cola Company.    Filed herewith.

10.2*

   CCNA Exchange Letter Agreement, dated April 29, 2016, between the Company and The Coca-Cola Company, by and through its Coca-Cola North America division.    Filed herewith.

 

* Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

    COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED
Date: May 5, 2016     By:  

/s/ Clifford M. Deal, III

      Clifford M. Deal, III
      Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC

EXHIBITS

CURRENT REPORT

ON

FORM 8-K

 

Date of Event Reported:

April 29, 2016

  

Commission File No:

0-9286

COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No. 

  

Description

  

        Incorporated By Reference To        

10.1*

   Initial Regional Manufacturing Agreement, dated April 29, 2016, between the Company and The Coca-Cola Company.    Filed herewith.

10.2*

   CCNA Exchange Letter Agreement, dated April 29, 2016, between the Company and The Coca-Cola Company, by and through its Coca-Cola North America division.    Filed herewith.

 

* Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
EX-10.1

Exhibit 10.1

CERTAIN CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT, MARKED BY BRACKETED ASTERISKS, HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO RULE 24B-2 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED.

EXECUTION VERSION

 

Initial Regional Manufacturing

Agreement

 

Entered into by

The Coca-Cola Company,

a Delaware corporation,

and

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated,

a Delaware corporation,

with Effective Date of April 29, 2016


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

1 RECITALS      1   
2 DEFINITIONS      1   
3 AUTHORIZATION FOR BOTTLER TO PURCHASE CONCENTRATES AND TO MANUFACTURE AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES      3   
4 AUTHORIZATION FOR BOTTLER TO SELL AND SUPPLY AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES      4   
5 COMPANY AND BOTTLER RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS REGARDING THE TRADEMARKS      5   
6 REFORMULATION AND DISCONTINUATION OF THE CONCENTRATES      6   
7 TERRITORIAL LIMITATIONS AND TRANSSHIPPING      6   
8 [RESERVED.]      6   
9 EFFECT OF NEW OR AMENDED MANUFACTURING AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER REGIONAL PRODUCING BOTTLERS      6   
10 OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER AS TO MANUFACTURE OF OTHER BEVERAGE PRODUCTS      7   
11 WARRANTIES OF COMPANY RELATING TO MANUFACTURE AND QUALITY OF THE CONCENTRATE      8   
12 OBLIGATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BOTTLER RELATING TO MANUFACTURE AND QUALITY OF THE AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES      8   
13 OBLIGATIONS OF COMPANY AND BOTTLER RELATING TO RECALL OF AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES      11   
14 OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER RELATING TO MANUFACTURE OF AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES, SYSTEM GOVERNANCE, INVESTMENT, MANAGEMENT, REPORTING AND PLANNING ACTIVITIES      12   
15 PRICING AND OTHER CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE AND SALE OF CONCENTRATES      13   
16 OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF BOTTLER      13   
17 TERM OF AGREEMENT      14   
18 COMMERCIAL IMPRACTICABILITY AND FORCE MAJEURE      14   
19 TERMINATION FOR DEFINED EVENTS      15   
20 DEFICIENCY TERMINATION      16   
21 BOTTLER RIGHT TO CURE      17   
22 [RESERVED.]      19   


23 EFFECT OF BOTTLER’S CBA ON THIS AGREEMENT IN CERTAIN EVENTS      19   
24 POST-EXPIRATION AND POST-TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS      19   
25 COMPANY’S RIGHT OF ASSIGNMENT      19   
26 LITIGATION      19   
27 INDEMNIFICATION      20   
28 BOTTLER’S INSURANCE      21   
29 [RESERVED.]      21   
30 INCIDENT MANAGEMENT      21   
31 SEVERABILITY      21   
32 REPLACEMENT OF CERTAIN PRIOR CONTRACTS, MERGER, AND REQUIREMENTS FOR MODIFICATION      21   
33 NO WAIVER      22   
34 NATURE OF AGREEMENT AND RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES      22   
35 HEADINGS AND OTHER MATTERS      22   
36 EXECUTION IN MULTIPLE COUNTERPARTS      23   
37 NOTICE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT      23   
38 CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE      25   
39 CONFIDENTIALITY      25   
40 ACTIVE AND COMPLETE ARMS LENGTH NEGOTIATIONS      26   
41 RESERVATION OF RIGHTS      26   
42 BOTTLER AFFILIATES      27   


TABLE OF EXHIBITS

 

 

    Exhibit    

 

  

 

Title

 

  

 

    Exhibit References by    

Section

 

 

A

 

  

 

Regional Manufacturing Facilities

 

  

 

2.1.2

 

 

B

  

 

Authorized Covered Beverages

  

 

2.3

 

9.3

 

 

 


TABLE OF SCHEDULES

 

 

    Schedule    

 

  

 

Title

 

  

 

    Schedule References by    

Section

 

     

2.17

 

   Related Agreements    2.17
     

2.18

 

   [***]    2.18
     

9.4

 

   Regional Manufacturing Agreement   

2.14

9.4

 

     

10.1.5

 

   Third Party Beverages   

10.1.5

10.1.6

 

     

12.2

 

   Technical Requirements    12.2
     

28

 

  

Insurance Requirements

 

  

28

 

     
32.1.2    Agreements Not Affected by this Agreement   

32.1.2

32.1.4

 

 

 

 

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.


Initial Regional Manufacturing Agreement

 

 

THIS AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO BY THE COCA-COLA COMPANY, A DELAWARE CORPORATION (“COMPANY”), AND COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED, A DELAWARE CORPORATION (“BOTTLER”).

 

1

RECITALS

 

  1.1

Company and Bottler (or one or more Affiliates of Bottler) have entered into one or more Comprehensive Beverage Agreement(s) (as may be amended, restated or modified from time to time, “Bottler’s CBA”) authorizing Bottler to market, promote, distribute and sell Covered Beverages and Related Products within specific geographic Territories, subject to the terms and conditions contained in Bottler’s CBA. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement will have the meanings ascribed to them in Bottler’s CBA, unless a different meaning is ascribed under this Agreement;

 

  1.2

Company manufactures and sells, or authorizes others to manufacture and sell, the Concentrates used to manufacture certain of the Covered Beverages, the formulas for all of which constitute trade secrets owned by Company and which are identified by the Trademarks;

 

  1.3

Company and Bottler acknowledge that the manufacture of such Covered Beverages is subject to strict production standards and applicable regulatory requirements;

 

  1.4

Bottler and Company wish to enter into this Agreement in order to permit Bottler to manufacture, produce and package (collectively, “manufacture”), at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers both for (i) distribution and sale by Bottler and its Affiliates for their own account; and (ii) sale by Bottler and its Affiliates to Company and to certain other U. S. Coca-Cola Bottlers in accordance with this Agreement;

 

  1.5

Bottler has requested an authorization from Company to use the Trademarks in connection with such manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages; and

 

  1.6

Company is willing to grant the requested authorization to Bottler under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

COMPANY AND BOTTLER AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

 

2

DEFINITIONS

 

  2.1

Agreement” means this Initial Regional Manufacturing Agreement between Bottler and Company, as amended from time to time.

 

  2.2

Authorized Containers” means containers of certain types, sizes, shapes and other distinguishing characteristics that Company from time to time approves in its sole discretion, subject to Section 12.9, for use by all Regional Producing Bottlers in manufacturing Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities. A list of Authorized Containers for each Authorized Covered Beverage will be provided by Company to Bottler, which list may be amended by additions, deletions or modifications by Company from time to time in its sole discretion.


  2.3

Authorized Covered Beverages” means the Covered Beverages identified on Exhibit B that all Regional Producing Bottlers are authorized to manufacture in Authorized Containers at their respective regional manufacturing facilities, which Exhibit will be deemed automatically amended to add any Covered Beverage that Company hereafter authorizes for concentrate-based, cold-fill manufacturing by any U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler, and may otherwise be updated from time to time as mutually agreed by Company and the NPSG. For purposes hereof, cold-fill manufacturing means the process of manufacturing beverages in which the product is chilled, or equal to or less than ambient temperature, at time of filling and packaging.

 

  2.4

Company Owned Manufacturer” means any Affiliate or operating unit of Company located in the United States that manufactures any of the Authorized Covered Beverages for distribution or sale within the United States.

 

  2.5

Concentrates” means the concentrates and/or beverage bases used to manufacture the Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, the formulas for all of which constitute trade secrets owned by Company and which are identified by the applicable Trademarks.

 

  2.6

Effective Date” means April 29, 2016.

 

  2.7

Expanding Participating Bottler” has the meaning ascribed to that term under the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement.

 

  2.8

Finished Goods Supply Agreements:

 

  2.8.1

Interim Finished Goods Supply Agreement” means (a) with respect to the Sandston, VA Regional Manufacturing Facility, the Finished Goods Supply Agreement [Bottler as Producer for CCR Distribution Centers], dated as of January 29, 2016, by and between CCR and Bottler, and (b) with respect to the Baltimore, MD and Silver Spring, MD Regional Manufacturing Facilities, the Finished Goods Supply Agreement [Bottler as Producer for CCR Distribution Centers], dated as of the Effective Date, by and between CCR and Bottler.

 

  2.8.2

NPSG Finished Goods Supply Agreement” means the form of finished goods supply agreement to be mutually agreed by Company and Bottler, that will provide, among other things, that Bottler’s pricing to other Regional Producing Bottlers will be calculated by Bottler in accordance with the pricing formula set forth in Section 4.1.2 hereof, which has been determined unilaterally by Company in a manner that, together with other applicable arrangements between Company and Bottler, supports and enables [***], and to strengthen the competitiveness of the Coca-Cola finished goods production system.

 

  2.8.3

Regional Finished Goods Supply Agreement” means the form of finished goods supply agreement to be mutually agreed by Company and Bottler, that will provide, among other things, that Bottler’s pricing to Expanding Participating Bottlers and Participating Bottlers will be the [***].

 

  2.9

[***]

 

  2.10

National Product Supply Group or NPSG” means The Coca-Cola System National Product Supply Group, as described more fully in the National Product Supply System Governance Agreement.

 

- 2 -

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.


  2.11

National Product Supply Group Board” or “NPSG Board” means The Coca-Cola System National Product Supply Group Governance Board, the governing body for the Coca-Cola National Product Supply Group consisting of representatives of Company and all Regional Producing Bottlers, as described more fully in the National Product Supply System Governance Agreement between Bottler, certain other Regional Producing Bottlers and Company dated as of October 30, 2015.

 

  2.12

Participating Bottler” means any U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler that is not a Regional Producing Bottler or an Expanding Participating Bottler that is party to a Comprehensive Beverage Agreement with Company.

 

  2.13

Recipient Bottler” means the U.S. Coca-Cola Bottlers which Bottler is authorized pursuant to this Agreement to supply with Authorized Covered Beverages manufactured by Bottler at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities.

 

  2.14

Regional Manufacturing Facilities” means the manufacturing facilities owned and operated by Bottler and listed on Exhibit A, which Exhibit will be deemed automatically amended to add any manufacturing facility acquired or built by Bottler after the Effective Date with the approval of the NPSG, and, subject to the requirements of National Product Supply System Governance Agreement, may be otherwise updated from time to time as mutually agreed by Company and Bottler.

 

  2.15

“Regional Producing Bottler” means (i) Bottler; (ii) any other Expanding Participating Bottler that is or becomes a member of the NPSG that Company has authorized, or hereafter authorizes, to manufacture Authorized Covered Beverages under an agreement in substantially the same form as either this Agreement or the Regional Manufacturing Agreement attached as Schedule 9.4 hereto; and (iii) a Company Owned Manufacturer that is or becomes a member of the National Product Supply Group.

 

  2.16

[Reserved.]

 

  2.17

Related Agreement” means any agreement identified on Schedule 2.17 between Company and any of Company’s Affiliates and Bottler and any of Bottler’s Affiliates relating to the manufacturing of Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

  2.18

[***]

 

  2.19

[***]

 

3

AUTHORIZATION FOR BOTTLER TO PURCHASE CONCENTRATES AND TO MANUFACTURE AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES

 

  3.1

Company appoints Bottler as an authorized purchaser of the Concentrates for the purpose of manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities. Except as otherwise mutually agreed in writing by Company and Bottler, Company shall not appoint, and shall not consent to any appointment by Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc. or any of its other Affiliates of, any other Person as an authorized purchaser of the Concentrates for the purposes of manufacture, packaging and distribution of such Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers for sale in Bottler’s Territory.

 

- 3 -

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.


  3.2

Bottler will purchase its entire requirements of Concentrates for such Authorized Covered Beverages exclusively from Company and will not use any other syrup, beverage base, concentrate or other ingredient not specified by Company in the manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

4

AUTHORIZATION FOR BOTTLER TO SELL AND SUPPLY AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES

 

  4.1

With the objective of ensuring that U.S. Coca-Cola Bottlers are able to acquire finished goods from Regional Producing Bottlers at a price that enables the Coca-Cola Bottler System to be highly competitive in the marketplace, Company authorizes Bottler to sell and supply Authorized Covered Beverages manufactured by Bottler at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities:

 

  4.1.1

During the period from the Effective Date through and including December 31, 2016:

 

  4.1.1.1

To Regional Producing Bottlers in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Interim Finished Goods Supply Agreement; and

 

  4.1.1.2

To other U.S. Coca-Cola Bottlers that CCR supplied from the Manufacturing Facilities immediately prior to the Effective Date, on the terms and conditions applicable to each such supply arrangement.

 

  4.1.2

To other Regional Producing Bottlers at the price specified in this Section 4.1.2 and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the NPSG Finished Goods Supply Agreement:

 

  4.1.2.1

For calendar year 2017, the price shall be [***].

 

  4.1.2.2

For calendar year 2018 and thereafter, the price shall be [***].

 

  4.1.3

To Expanding Participating Bottlers and Participating Bottlers at the price specified in this Section 4.1.3 and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Regional Finished Goods Supply Agreement:

 

  4.1.3.1

For calendar year 2017, the price shall be [***].

 

  4.1.3.2

For calendar year 2018 and thereafter, the price shall be [***].

 

  4.2

Company authorizes Bottler to sell and supply Authorized Covered Beverages manufactured by Bottler to Company, and Bottler agrees to sell to Company Authorized Covered Beverages, at a price equivalent to [***], in quantities sufficient to enable Company to satisfy demand of U.S. Coca-Cola Bottlers that are not Regional Producing Bottlers, Expanding Participating Bottlers or Participating Bottlers in accordance with sourcing plans developed by the NPSG from time to time.

 

  4.3

Upon Company’s request, Bottler agrees to advise Company, in accordance with written instructions issued by Company from time to time, of the amount of the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers that are manufactured at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities and sold by Bottler to Company, and, as applicable, to each Regional Producing Bottler, Expanding Participating Bottler and Participating Bottler; provided, however, that Bottler will not be required to provide Company with duplicate copies of any such information provided to the NPSG that expressly directs the NPSG to provide such information to Company.

 

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[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.


5

COMPANY AND BOTTLER RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS REGARDING THE TRADEMARKS

 

  5.1

Bottler acknowledges and agrees that Company is the sole and exclusive owner of all rights, title and interest in and to the Trademarks. Company has the unrestricted right, in its sole discretion, to use the Trademarks on the Authorized Covered Beverages and on all other products and merchandise, to determine which Trademarks will be used on which Authorized Covered Beverages, and to determine how the Trademarks will be displayed and used on and in connection with the Authorized Covered Beverages. Bottler agrees not to dispute the validity of the Trademarks or their exclusive ownership by Company either during the Term or thereafter, notwithstanding any applicable doctrines of licensee estoppel.

 

  5.2

Company grants to Bottler only a nonexclusive, royalty-free license to use the Trademarks in connection with the manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities and in connection with the sale of such Authorized Covered Beverages to Recipient Bottlers and Company as provided in this Agreement, and in accordance with standards adopted and issued by Company from time to time, and made available to Bottler through written, electronic, on-line or other form or media, subject to the rights reserved to Company under this Agreement.

 

  5.3

Nothing in this Agreement, nor any act or failure to act by Bottler or Company, will give Bottler any proprietary or ownership interest of any kind in the Trademarks or in the goodwill associated therewith.

 

  5.4

Bottler acknowledges and agrees that, as between Company and Bottler, all use by Bottler of the Trademarks will inure to the benefit of Company.

 

  5.5

Except as provided in Bottler’s CBA or as otherwise authorized by Company in writing, Bottler must not adopt or use any name, corporate name, trading name, title of establishment or other commercial designation or logo that includes the words “Coca-Cola”, “Coca”, “Cola”, “Coke”, or any of them, or any word, name or designation that is confusingly similar to any of them, or any graphic or visual representation of the Trademarks or any other Trademark or intellectual property owned by Company, without the prior written consent of Company, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld and will be contingent on Bottler’s compliance with Bottler’s CBA and this Agreement.

 

  5.6

Bottler recognizes that the uniform external appearance of the Trademarks on primary and secondary packaging and on equipment and materials used under this Agreement is important to the Trademarks, the successful marketing of the Covered Beverages, and the Coca-Cola system.

 

  5.6.1

Bottler agrees, to the extent such Trademarks are utilized by Bottler in connection with the manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, to accept and, within a reasonable time, apply, any new or modified standards adopted and issued from time to time by Company that are generally applicable, and made available to Bottler for the design and decoration of trucks and other delivery vehicles, packaging materials, cases, cartons, and other materials and equipment that bear such Trademarks.

 

  5.6.2

If Company changes such standards, the new standards will apply to all such assets acquired by Bottler for use at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities or in connection with the manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities following receipt of Notice of the change in standards to the extent Bottler uses the Trademarks on such assets, and will be applied to such existing assets in the normal course of Bottler’s business (e.g., trucks would be repainted consistent with normal maintenance cycles).

 

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6

REFORMULATION AND DISCONTINUATION OF THE CONCENTRATES

 

  6.1

Company has the sole and exclusive right and discretion to reformulate any of the Concentrates.

 

  6.2

Company has the right to discontinue any Concentrates for any Authorized Covered Beverage that is discontinued or Transferred in accordance with the terms of Bottler’s CBA and any other agreements between Bottler and Company or their respective Affiliates.

 

7

TERRITORIAL LIMITATIONS AND TRANSSHIPPING

 

  7.1

Company and Bottler hereby agree that, notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph 9 of Bottler’s CBA (or applicable provisions of any other agreements between Bottler and Company or their respective Affiliates), Bottler may supply Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers manufactured at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities to Recipient Bottlers in accordance with Section 4 for distribution by such Recipient Bottlers in their respective territories in accordance with their respective Comprehensive Beverage Agreement(s) or other agreements with Company.

 

  7.2

Bottler agrees not to sell, distribute or otherwise transfer any Authorized Covered Beverage manufactured at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities except, (i) distribution and sale in Bottler’s (or any one or more of its Affiliates’) Territories in accordance with Bottler’s CBA and in other geographic territories in which Bottler and its Affiliates are authorized to distribute and sell Authorized Covered Beverages by Company or its Affiliates, and (ii) sales of Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers to Recipient Bottlers or Company in accordance with Section 4.

 

8

[RESERVED.]

 

9

EFFECT OF NEW OR AMENDED MANUFACTURING AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER REGIONAL PRODUCING BOTTLERS

 

  9.1

If Company or a Company Affiliate on or after January 29, 2016 (a) enters into a new authorization agreement to manufacture all or substantially all Authorized Covered Beverages at manufacturing facilities acquired from Company or a Company Affiliate on or after October 30, 2015 in territories in the United States of America with another Regional Producing Bottler (other than a Company Owned Distributor) that is more favorable to such other Regional Producing Bottler than the terms and conditions of this Agreement in any material respect, or (b) agrees to an amendment of the terms of a regional manufacturing agreement or other similar agreement authorizing manufacture of all or substantially all Authorized Covered Beverages at manufacturing facilities acquired from Company or a Company Affiliate on or after October 30, 2015 in territories in the United States with another Regional Producing Bottler (other than a Company Owned Distributor) that is more favorable to such other Regional Producing Bottler than the terms and conditions of this Agreement in any material respect, then Company will offer such other new agreement or amended agreement, as the case may be (a “New Agreement”), in its entirety, to Bottler. If the New Agreement relates to less than all of the Authorized Covered Beverages, then the New Agreement offered to Bottler under this Section 9.1 will cover only those Authorized Covered Beverages covered by the New Agreement.

 

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  9.2

The foregoing obligation will not apply to any consent, waiver or approval provided under this Agreement or under any agreement held by another Regional Producing Bottler; provided, however, that Company will not waive or otherwise enter into any agreement with any other Regional Producing Bottler that limits the requirement set forth in Section 14.1 or any equivalent requirement under any Regional Manufacturing Agreement held by another Regional Producing Bottler.

 

  9.3

Nothing in Section 9.2 will affect (a) Company’s obligation under Section 15.2 or (b) Company’s agreement that the list of Covered Beverages identified on Exhibit B will be the same for all Regional Producing Bottlers.

 

  9.4

If, after the Effective Date, (a) the CBA Conversion (as defined in the Territory Conversion Agreement between the parties dated September 23, 2015) (as amended, the “Territory Conversion Agreement”) occurs in accordance with the Territory Conversion Agreement or (b) Bottler otherwise enters into the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement described in Section 1.1 of the Territory Conversion Agreement with respect to all Territories granted to Bottler under Bottler’s CBA (as defined in this Agreement) and all of Bottler’s Legacy Territory (as defined in the Territory Conversion Agreement), this Agreement shall be amended and restated in the form of the Regional Manufacturing Agreement attached hereto as Schedule 9.4 on and as of the date on which the CBA Conversion or the entry into such Comprehensive Beverage Agreement occurs.

 

  9.5

The parties agree to cooperate in taking such other actions as may reasonably be required to further document any amendments and modifications resulting from the provisions of this Section 9.

 

10

OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER AS TO MANUFACTURE OF OTHER BEVERAGE PRODUCTS

 

  10.1

Bottler covenants and agrees (subject to any requirements imposed upon Bottler under applicable law) not to manufacture at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities any Beverage, Beverage Component, or other beverage product except for:

 

  10.1.1

Authorized Covered Beverages, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and any Related Agreement;

 

  10.1.2

Beverages (including Incubation Beverages), Beverage Components and other beverage products, if and to the extent (a) authorized under any separate written agreement with Company or any of Company’s Affiliates, or (b) otherwise requested by Company or any of its Affiliates;

 

  10.1.3

Permitted Beverage Products distributed by Bottler or its Affiliates for their own account, subject to the terms and conditions of Bottler’s or Bottler Affiliate’s CBA;

 

  10.1.4

Beverages, Beverage Components and other beverage products manufactured by Bottler under license from a third party brand owner and supplied by Bottler to a Recipient Bottler, subject to the terms and conditions of the Recipient Bottler’s CBA or other bottling and distribution agreements between Company and Recipient Bottler; provided that Bottler will not supply any such Beverage, Beverage Component or other beverage product manufactured at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities to any Recipient Bottler if Company provides Bottler with Notice that such Beverage, Beverage Component or other beverage product is not a Permitted Beverage Product under such Recipient Bottler’s CBA (or that is prohibited by other bottling and distribution agreements between Company and Recipient Bottler); provided, further, that Bottler’s supply of any Beverage, Beverage Component or other beverage product to a Recipient Bottler that is not a Permitted Beverage Product under such Recipient Bottler’s CBA (or that is prohibited by other bottling and distribution agreements between

 

- 7 -


 

Company and Recipient Bottler) will not be a breach of this Section 10.1.4 unless Company provides Bottler with such Notice and Bottler continues to supply such Beverage to such Recipient Bottler thereafter in violation of such Notice;

 

  10.1.5

Beverages, Beverage Components and other beverage products manufactured by Bottler at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities under license from a third party brand owner and supplied by Bottler to another U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler as of the Effective Date, as specified on Schedule 10.1.5; and

 

  10.1.6

Beverages, Beverage Components and other beverage products, not otherwise permitted under Sections 10.1.3, 10.1.4, or 10.1.5, manufactured by Bottler at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities under license from a third party brand owner with Company’s prior written consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld and will be specified on Schedule 10.1.5.

 

  10.2

Notwithstanding anything in Section 10.1 to the contrary, if the NPSG reasonably determines during product supply system sourcing plan development routines that Bottler should supply any Beverage manufactured by Bottler at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities under license from a third party brand owner to certain Recipient Bottlers and/or certain other Regional Producing Bottlers in order to optimize the location for production of such Beverages, then Bottler may do so on a temporary basis as reasonably determined by the NPSG (but in any event not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days).

 

11

WARRANTIES OF COMPANY RELATING TO MANUFACTURE AND QUALITY OF THE CONCENTRATE

 

   

Company agrees and warrants that the Concentrates supplied to Bottler, as well as Company’s package designs and design specifications of packages and labels authorized by Company for use on Authorized Covered Beverages, shall comply with all food, labeling, health, packaging and all other applicable laws, including the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended (the “Act”), and regulations, and when supplied to Bottler will not be adulterated, contaminated, or misbranded within the meaning of the Act or any other federal, state or local law, rule or regulation applicable thereto.

 

12

OBLIGATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BOTTLER RELATING TO MANUFACTURE AND QUALITY OF THE AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES

 

  12.1

Bottler agrees and warrants that Bottler’s handling and storage of the Concentrates and Bottler’s manufacture, handling, storage, transportation and delivery of the Authorized Covered Beverages, including any Authorized Covered Beverages supplied to Company or any Recipient Bottler, will at all times and in all events:

 

  12.1.1

be accomplished in accordance with the product, package and equipment quality; food safety; workplace safety; and environmental sustainability standards, requirements and instructions reasonably established and routinely communicated in writing, including through electronic systems and media, by Company to Bottler from time to time (collectively “Technical Requirements”); and

 

  12.1.2

comply with all food, labeling, health, packaging, environmental, safety, sanitation and all other applicable laws, rules, orders, regulations and requirements of any federal, state, city, county or other local government, including any law, statute, ordinance, rule regulation, order, determination, restrictive covenant or deed restriction that regulates the use, generation,

 

- 8 -


 

disposal, release, storage or presence at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities of substances based upon corrosiveness, toxicity, carcinogenic properties, radioactivity, environmentally hazardous or similar characteristics.

 

  12.2

The Technical Requirements as of the Effective Date are identified on Schedule 12.2, which schedule will be updated by Company from time to time following discussion with the NPSG and Notice to each Regional Producing Bottler (including any Company Owned Manufacturers).

 

  12.2.1

Company agrees that all Regional Producing Bottlers will be required to comply with same Technical Requirements; provided, however, that (i) Company may make limited exceptions in application or enforcement where necessary to prevent undue hardship for a Regional Producing Bottler, which exceptions shall not in any way be deemed to modify the Technical Requirements and (ii) this Section 12.2.1 shall not in any way effect, limit, or modify any of Bottler’s or Company’s respective rights and obligations under this Agreement, including Bottler’s obligations under Section 12.1.

 

  12.3

Bottler represents, warrants and covenants that Bottler possesses, or will possess, prior to the manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages, and will maintain during the Term, such plant or plants, machinery and equipment, qualified technical personnel and trained staff as are capable of manufacturing the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers in accordance with this Agreement and in sufficient quantities to meet fully the demand for the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers by Bottler in the Territory in accordance with sourcing plans developed by the NPSG from time to time.

 

  12.4

Bottler agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to meet fully the demand for the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers from Recipient Bottlers in accordance with sourcing plans developed by the NPSG from time to time.

 

  12.5

Bottler recognizes that increases in the demand for the Authorized Covered Beverages, as well as changes in the list of Authorized Containers, may, from time to time, require adaptation of its existing manufacturing or packaging equipment or the purchase of additional manufacturing or packaging equipment. Bottler agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to make such modifications and adaptations as necessary and to purchase and install such equipment, in time to permit the introduction and manufacture of sufficient quantities of the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers, to satisfy fully the demand for the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers in the Territory and to fulfill Bottler’s supply obligations, if any, to Recipient Bottlers, in each case in accordance with sourcing plans developed by the NPSG from time to time.

 

  12.6

As of the date the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers are shipped by Bottler, the Authorized Covered Beverages manufactured by Bottler will meet the Technical Requirements and will comply with all applicable laws; provided, however, that Bottler will not be responsible for any failure to comply with the Technical Requirements or applicable laws to the extent such failure results from the content or design of labels authorized by Company for use on Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

  12.7

Bottler, in accordance with such instructions as may be given from time to time by Company, will submit to Company, at Bottler’s expense, samples of the Authorized Covered Beverages and the raw materials used in the manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages. Bottler will permit representatives of Company to have access to the premises of Bottler during ordinary business hours to inspect the plant, equipment, and methods used by Bottler in order to ascertain whether Bottler is complying with the terms of this Section 12, including whether Bottler is complying strictly with the

 

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Technical Requirements with respect to the manufacturing, handling and storage of the Authorized Covered Beverages. Bottler will also provide Company with all the information regarding Bottler’s compliance with the terms of this Section 12, as Company may reasonably request from time to time.

 

  12.8

Bottler is authorized to use only Authorized Containers in the manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages, and will use only such Authorized Containers, closures, cases, cartons and other packages and labels as will be authorized from time to time by Company for Bottler and will purchase such items only from manufacturers approved by Company, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld.

 

  12.8.1

Company will approve three (3) or more manufacturers of such items, if in the reasonable opinion of Company, there are three (3) or more manufacturers who are capable of producing such items to be fully suitable for the purpose intended and in accordance with the high quality standards and image of excellence of the Trademarks and the Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

  12.8.2

Such approval by Company does not relieve Bottler of Bottler’s independent responsibility to assure that the Authorized Containers, closures, cases, cartons and other packages and labels purchased by Bottler are suitable for the purpose intended, and in accordance with the good reputation and image of excellence of the Trademarks and Covered Beverages (it being understood and agreed, however, that Bottler will not be responsible for the review or inspection of the content or design of labels authorized by Company for use on Authorized Covered Beverages).

 

  12.9

Company reserves the right to withdraw from time to time its approval of any of the Authorized Containers upon six (6) months’ prior Notice to Bottler, and, in such event, the repurchase provisions of Section 24.1.2 will apply to such containers so disapproved that are owned by Bottler. Company will exercise its right to approve, and to withdraw its approval of, specific Authorized Containers in good faith and after consultation with Bottler so as to permit Bottler to continue to satisfy the demand in Bottler’s Territory as a whole for Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

  12.10

Bottler will use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain at all times a stock of, or have entered into other alternate supply arrangements to obtain, Authorized Containers, closures, labels, cases, cartons, and other essential related materials bearing the Trademarks, sufficient to satisfy fully the demand for Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers in Bottler’s Territory and to fulfill Bottler’s supply obligations, if any, to Recipient Bottlers, in each case in accordance with sourcing plans developed by the NPSG from time to time, and Bottler will not use or authorize any other Person to use Authorized Containers, or such closures, labels, cases, cartons and other materials, if they bear the Trademarks or contain any Beverages, for any purpose other than the packaging of the Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

  12.11

Bottler agrees not to refill or otherwise reuse nonreturnable containers.

 

  12.12

The parties acknowledge and agree (a) that Bottler makes the representations, warranties and agreements set forth in this Section 12 in reliance on Company’s warranty in Section 11 and (b) that the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in this Section 12 relate solely to Bottler’s activities under this Agreement and the manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities.

 

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13

OBLIGATIONS OF COMPANY AND BOTTLER RELATING TO RECALL OF AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES

 

  13.1

If Company determines or becomes aware of the existence of any quality or technical problems relating to any Authorized Covered Beverages manufactured at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, or any package used for such Authorized Covered Beverage, in Bottler’s Territory, Company will immediately notify Bottler by telephone, facsimile, e-mail or any other form of immediate communication. This notification will include, to the extent available to Company, (a) the identity and quantities of Authorized Covered Beverages involved, including the specific packages, (b) coding data, and (c) all other relevant data that will assist in tracing such Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

  13.1.1

Company may require Bottler to take all necessary action to recall all of such Authorized Covered Beverages, or any package used for such Authorized Covered, or withdraw immediately such Authorized Covered Beverages from the market or the trade, as the case may be.

 

  13.1.2

Company will notify Bottler by telephone, facsimile, e-mail or any other form of immediate communication of the decision by Company to require Bottler to recall such Authorized Covered Beverages or withdraw such Authorized Covered Beverages from the market or trade.

 

  13.2

If Bottler determines or becomes aware of the existence of quality or technical problems relating to Authorized Covered Beverages manufactured at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, then Bottler must immediately notify Company by telephone, e-mail or any other form of immediate communication. This notification must include: (a) the identity and quantities of Authorized Covered Beverages involved, including the specific packages, (b) coding data, and (c) all other relevant data that will assist in tracing such Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

  13.3

In the event of a withdrawal or recall of any Authorized Covered Beverage manufactured at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities or any package used for such Authorized Covered Beverage, that was produced by Bottler and sold to a Recipient Bottler, Bottler will use its commercially reasonable efforts to respond promptly and fairly if a claim is made by a Recipient Bottler as a result of any such withdrawal or recall.

 

  13.4

If any withdrawal or recall of any Authorized Covered Beverage manufactured at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities or any of the packages used therefor is caused by (i) quality or technical defects in the Concentrates, or other materials prepared by Company from which the product involved was prepared by Bottler, or (ii) quality or technical defects in Company’s designs and design specifications of packages and labels authorized by Company for use on Authorized Covered Beverages (and specifically excluding designs and specifications of other parties and the failure of other parties to manufacture packages in strict conformity with the designs and specifications of Company), Company will reimburse Bottler for Bottler’s total reasonable expenses incident to such withdrawal or recall, including any payment made by Bottler to a Recipient Bottler in connection with the specific withdrawal or recall.

 

  13.5

Conversely, if any withdrawal or recall of Authorized Covered Beverages manufactured at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities is caused by Bottler’s failure to comply with the Technical Requirements or any applicable laws, rules and regulations (it being understood and agreed that Bottler will not be responsible for any failure to comply with the Technical Requirements or applicable laws to the extent such failure results from the content or design of labels authorized by Company for use on Authorized Covered Beverages), Bottler will bear its total expenses of such withdrawal or recall and reimburse Company for Company’s total reasonable expenses incident to such withdrawal or recall.

 

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14

OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER RELATING TO MANUFACTURE OF AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES, SYSTEM GOVERNANCE, INVESTMENT, MANAGEMENT, REPORTING AND PLANNING ACTIVITIES

 

  14.1

Bottler will participate fully in, and comply fully with, the requirements and programs established from time to time by the NPSG Board; provided, however, that Bottler will not be required to engage in conduct that would result in breach of this Agreement, Bottler’s CBA, or any other agreements between Company and Bottler.

 

  14.2

[Reserved.]

 

  14.3

[Reserved.]

 

  14.4

Bottler will maintain the consolidated financial capacity reasonably necessary to assure that Bottler and all Bottler Affiliates will be financially able to perform their respective duties and obligations under this Agreement.

 

  14.5

Upon Company’s request, Bottler will provide to Company each year and review with Company an annual and long range operating plan and budget for Bottler’s business of manufacturing Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, including financials and capital investment budgets to the extent related to the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, and, if requested by Company, discuss changes in general management and senior management of Bottler’s manufacturing business, except to the extent otherwise prohibited by applicable law.

 

  14.6

Bottler will:

 

  14.6.1

Maintain accurate books, accounts and records relating to the purchasing of Concentrate and the manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages under this Agreement; and

 

  14.6.2

Upon Company’s request, provide to Company such operational, financial, accounting, forecasting, planning and other information, including audited and unaudited detail of cost of goods sold and sales volume for Authorized Covered Beverages to the extent, in the form and manner, as permitted by applicable law and at such times as reasonably required (a) by Company to determine whether Bottler is performing its obligations under this Agreement; (b) by Company to calculate finished goods pricing under the Interim Finished Goods Supply Agreement, NPSG Finished Goods Supply Agreement or Regional Finished Goods Supply Agreement and (c) by the NPSG Board for the purpose of implementing, administering, and operating the NPSG, subject to appropriate regulatory firewalls ((a), (b), and (c) collectively, the “Financial Information”); provided, however, that Bottler will not be required to provide Company with duplicate copies of any compilation of Financial Information provided to the NPSG that expressly directs the NPSG to provide such compilation to Company.

 

  14.7

The parties recognize that the Financial Information is critical to the ability of Company and the NPSG to maintain, promote, and safeguard the overall performance, efficiency, integrity, and competitiveness of the product supply system for Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

  14.8

Company will hold the Financial Information provided by Bottler in accordance with the confidentiality provisions of Section 39 and will not use such information for any purpose other than determining compliance with this Agreement, to calculate finished goods pricing under the Interim Finished Goods Supply Agreement, NPSG Finished Goods Supply Agreement or Regional Finished Goods Supply Agreement, or as necessary to provide to the NPSG, subject to appropriate regulatory firewalls, for the purpose of facilitating the NPSG’s execution of operational responsibilities such as infrastructure optimization, national sourcing and strategic initiative decisions.

 

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15

PRICING AND OTHER CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE AND SALE OF CONCENTRATES

 

  15.1

Subject to Section 15.2, Company reserves the right to establish and to revise at any time, in its sole discretion, the price of any of the Concentrates sold to Bottler for use in manufacturing Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, the related terms of payment, and the other terms and conditions of supply, any such revision to be effective immediately upon Notice to Bottler. Bottler acknowledges that information related to pricing of Company’s Concentrates is confidential and will be maintained as such in accordance with Section 39.

 

  15.2

If Company exercises its discretion under Section 15.1, the “price” charged by Company or its Affiliate for any of the Concentrates will be the same as the “price” charged by Company or its Affiliate for such Concentrate, the terms of payment and other terms and conditions of supply will be the same as those applied by Company for such Concentrates, to each other Regional Producing Bottler (other than a Company Owned Manufacturer) in the United States.

 

  15.3

For purposes of manufacturing Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, Bottler will purchase from Company only such quantities of the Concentrates as will be necessary and sufficient to carry out Bottler’s obligations under this Agreement. Bottler will use the Concentrates exclusively for its manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages. Bottler will not sell or otherwise transfer any Concentrates or permit the same to get into the hands of third parties.

 

16

OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF BOTTLER

 

  16.1

Bottler hereby acknowledges the personal nature of Bottler’s obligations under this Agreement, including with respect to the performance standards applicable to Bottler, the dependence of the Trademarks on proper quality control, and the confidentiality required for protection of Company’s trade secrets and confidential information.

 

  16.2

Bottler represents and warrants to Company that, prior to execution of this Agreement, Bottler has made available to Company a complete and accurate list of Persons that own more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding securities of Bottler, and/or of any third parties having a right to, or effective power of, control or management of Bottler (whether through contract or otherwise).

 

  16.3

[Reserved.]

 

  16.4

Bottler acknowledges that Company has a vested and legitimate interest in maintaining, promoting and safeguarding the overall performance, efficiency and integrity of Company’s bottling, distribution and sales system. Bottler therefore covenants and agrees:

 

  16.4.1

Except as otherwise permitted by Bottler’s CBA, not to assign, transfer or pledge this Agreement or any interest herein, in whole or in part, whether voluntarily, involuntarily, or by operation of law (including by merger or liquidation), or sublicense its rights under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any third party or parties, without the prior written consent of Company; and

 

  16.4.2

Not to delegate any material element of Bottler’s performance under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any third party or parties without the prior written consent of Company.

 

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  16.5

Notwithstanding Section 16.4, the following shall be expressly permitted hereunder:

 

  16.5.1

Bottler may, after Notice to Company, assign, transfer or pledge this Agreement or any interest herein, in whole or in part, or delegate any material element of Bottler’s performance of this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any wholly-owned Affiliate of Bottler; provided that (a) any such Affiliate must agree in writing to be bound by and comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and (b) any such assignment, transfer, pledge or delegation will not relieve Bottler of any of its obligations under this Agreement; and

 

  16.5.2

Bottler may engage third party contractors and service providers for the purpose of receiving services relating to non-core functions (e.g., back-office administrative services, human resources, payroll, information technology services and similar services); provided that (a) Bottler will retain full responsibility to Company for all of Bottler’s obligations under this Agreement; and (b) Bottler may not subcontract core functions (i.e., manufacturing, market and customer-facing functions) without the prior written consent of Company.

 

  16.6

Any attempt to take any actions prohibited by Sections 16.4 and 16.5 without Company’s prior written consent shall be void and shall be deemed to be a material breach of this Agreement, unless such actions are otherwise permitted under Bottler’s CBA.

 

17

TERM OF AGREEMENT

 

   

This Agreement will commence on the Effective Date and continue so long as Bottler’s CBA is in effect (the “Term”).

 

18

COMMERCIAL IMPRACTICABILITY AND FORCE MAJEURE

 

  18.1

With respect to any one or more Concentrates (the “Affected Products”), as applicable:

 

  18.1.1

The obligation of Company (including any of its Affiliates) to supply Affected Products to Bottler, and Bottler’s obligation to purchase Affected Products from Company and to manufacture any Authorized Covered Beverages manufactured from such Affected Products, shall be suspended during any period when there occurs a change in applicable laws, regulations or administrative measures (including any government permission or authorization regarding customs, health or manufacturing, and further including the withdrawal of any government authorization required by any of the parties to carry out the terms of this Agreement), or issuance of any judicial decree or order binding on any of the parties hereto, in each case in such a manner as to render unlawful or commercially impracticable:

 

  18.1.1.1

The importation or exportation of any essential ingredients of the Affected Products that cannot be produced in quantities sufficient to satisfy the demand therefor by existing Company (including any of its Affiliates) facilities in the United States;

 

  18.1.1.2

The manufacture and distribution of Affected Products to Bottler; or

 

  18.1.1.3

Bottler’s manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages using such Affected Products.

 

- 14 -


  18.2

Force Majeure Event” means any strike, blacklisting, boycott or sanctions imposed by a sovereign nation or supra-national organization of sovereign nations, however incurred, or any act of God, act of foreign enemies, embargo, quarantine, riot, insurrection, a declared or undeclared war, state of war or belligerency or hazard or danger incident thereto.

 

  18.3

Neither Company (including any of its Affiliates) nor Bottler shall be liable for or be subject to any claim for breach or termination as the result of a failure to perform their respective obligations to purchase or supply Concentrate under this Agreement or to manufacture Authorized Covered Beverages made from such Concentrate in quantities to satisfy demand of Company and Recipient Bottlers, as applicable, if and to the extent that such failure is caused by or results from a Force Majeure Event; provided, however:

 

  18.3.1

The party claiming the excuse afforded by this Section 18.3 must use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with any excused obligations under this Agreement that are impaired by such Force Majeure Event; and

 

  18.3.2

If Bottler is the party claiming the excuse afforded by this Section 18.3:

 

  18.3.2.1

To the extent that Bottler is unable to remediate the effect on its ability to perform caused by such Force Majeure Event within three (3) months from the date of the occurrence of the Force Majeure Event, then,

 

  18.3.2.1.1

Company shall have the right (but not the obligation) upon not less than one (1) month prior Notice to suspend this Agreement and Related Agreements during the period of time that such Force Majeure Event results in Bottler being unable to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

 

  18.3.2.1.2

To the extent that Bottler is unable to remediate the effect on its ability to perform caused by such Force Majeure Event within two (2) years from the date of occurrence of the Force Majeure Event, Company shall have the right to terminate this Agreement.

 

19

TERMINATION FOR DEFINED EVENTS

 

  19.1

Company may, at Company’s option, terminate this Agreement, subject to the requirements of Section 23, if any of the following events occur:

 

  19.1.1

An order for relief is entered with respect to Bottler under any Chapter of Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended;

 

  19.1.2

Bottler voluntarily commences any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, or assignment for the benefit of creditors proceeding, case, or suit or consents to such a proceeding, case or suit under the laws of any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States or any country, kingdom or commonwealth or sub-division thereof not governed by the United States;

 

  19.1.3

A petition, proceeding, case, complaint or suit for bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, or assignment for the benefit of creditors, under the laws of any state, territory or commonwealth of the United States or any country, commonwealth or sub-division thereof or kingdom not governed by the United States, is filed against Bottler, and such a petition, proceeding, suit, complaint or case is not dismissed within sixty (60) days after the commencement or filing of such a petition, proceeding, complaint, case or suit or the order of dismissal is appealed and stayed;

 

- 15 -


  19.1.4

Bottler makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, deed of trust for the benefit of creditors or makes an arrangement or composition with creditors; a receiver or trustee for Bottler or for any interest in Bottler’s business is appointed and such order or decree appointing the receiver or trustee is not vacated, dismissed or discharged within sixty (60) days after such appointment or such order or decree is appealed and stayed;

 

  19.1.5

Any of the Regional Manufacturing Facilities is subject to attachment, levy or other final process for more than twenty (20) days or any of its equipment or facilities is noticed for judicial or non-judicial foreclosure sale and such attachment, levy, process or sale would materially and adversely affect Bottler’s ability to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement; or

 

  19.1.6

Bottler becomes insolvent or ceases to conduct its operations relating to the Regional Manufacturing Facilities in the normal course of business.

 

  19.1.7

Any Bottler’s Contract, Bottler’s Bottle Contract, or Master Bottle Contract (as the case may be) for Coca-Cola, listed on Schedule 32(d) of Bottler’s CBA, between Company and Bottler or their respective Affiliates is terminated by Company under provisions that permit termination without damages due to Bottler’s breach or default, unless Company agrees in writing that this Section 19.1.7 will not be applied by Company to such termination.

 

20

DEFICIENCY TERMINATION

 

  20.1

Company may also, at Company’s option, terminate this Agreement, subject to the requirements of Section 21 and Section 23, if any of the following events of default occur:

 

  20.1.1

Bottler fails to make timely payment for Concentrate, or of any other material debt owing to Company;

 

  20.1.2

The condition of the facilities or equipment used by Bottler in manufacturing the Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, as reflected in any data collected by Company or generated by Bottler, or in any audit or inspection conducted by or on behalf of Company, fails to meet the Technical Requirements reasonably established by Company, and Bottler fails to complete corrective measures approved by Company within the timeframe therefor reasonably established by Company and specified in the applicable Technical Corrective Action Plan;

 

  20.1.3

Bottler fails to handle the Concentrates or manufacture or handle the Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities in strict conformity with the Technical Requirements and applicable laws, rules and regulations and Bottler fails to complete corrective measures approved by Company within the timeframe therefor reasonably established by Company;

 

  20.1.4

Bottler or any Affiliate of Bottler engages in any of the activities prohibited under Section 10;

 

  20.1.5

[Reserved];

 

  20.1.6

[Reserved];

 

- 16 -


  20.1.7

Bottler breaches in any material respect any of Bottler’s other material obligations under this Agreement;

 

  20.1.8

Bottler breaches in any material respect any of Bottler’s material obligations under the NPSG Governance Agreement and such breach is not timely cured; or

 

  20.1.9

Any event of default occurs under Section XII of Bottler’s CBA that is not timely cured in the manner provided in Bottler’s CBA.

 

  20.2

In any such event of default, Company may either exercise its right to terminate under this Section 20 (subject to Section 21 and Section 23), or pursue any rights and remedies (other than termination) against Bottler with respect to any such event of default; provided, that Company will not take any action pursuant to this Section 20.2 or Section 21.4 that would limit Bottler’s right to cure under Section 21 of this Agreement or Paragraph 34 of Bottler’s CBA.

 

21

BOTTLER RIGHT TO CURE

 

  21.1

Upon the occurrence of any of the events of default enumerated in Section 20, Company will give Bottler Notice of default.

 

  21.2

In the case of an event of default due to a material breach by Bottler of its obligations under Section 12 (other than Sections 12.2 or 12.4) or Section 13:

 

  21.2.1

Bottler shall have a period of sixty (60) days from receipt of the Notice of default within which to cure such default, by:

 

  21.2.1.1

at the instruction of Company and at Bottler’s expense, promptly withdrawing from the market and destroying any Authorized Covered Beverage that fails to meet the Technical Requirements;

 

  21.2.1.2

compliance with the “Corrective Action” provision of the Technical Requirements; and

 

  21.2.1.3

implementing a corrective action plan (the “Technical Corrective Action Plan”), to be negotiated in good faith and agreed to by Company and Bottler, that reasonably meets the applicable requirements of the “Corrective Action” provision of the Technical Requirements (which Technical Corrective Action Plan may, by mutual agreement of the parties, provide for actions to be taken after expiration of the cure periods specified herein).

 

  21.2.2

If such default has not been cured within such initial sixty (60) day period (or such extended period, if any, provided for under a Technical Corrective Action Plan), then Bottler must cure such default within a second period of sixty (60) days (or such extended period, if any, provided for under a Technical Corrective Action Plan) during which period Company may, by giving Bottler further Notice to such effect, suspend sales to Bottler of Concentrates and require Bottler to cease manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities and the supply and sale of Authorized Covered Beverages from the Regional Manufacturing Facilities by Bottler to Recipient Bottlers; provided, however, that if Bottler has throughout the first and second cure periods strictly complied with Section 13 (Recall) and Section 30 (Incident Management), then such suspension of Concentrate sales and cessation of manufacture and supply shall be limited to the Regional Manufacturing Facilities in which the default occurred.

 

- 17 -


  21.2.3

If such default has not been cured during such second period of sixty (60) days (or such extended period, if any, provided for under a Technical Corrective Action Plan), then Company may terminate this Agreement, by giving Bottler Notice to such effect, effective immediately; provided, however, that if Bottler has throughout the first and second cure periods strictly complied with Section 13 (Recall) and Section 30 (Incident Management), then Bottler will have a third period of sixty (60) days (or such extended period, if any, provided for under a Technical Corrective Action Plan) within which to cure the default.

 

  21.2.4

If such default has not been cured during any such third period of sixty (60) days (or such extended period, if any, provided for under a Technical Corrective Action Plan), then Company may terminate this Agreement, by giving Bottler notice to such effect, effective immediately.

 

  21.3

In the case of an event of default other than those specified in Section 21.2:

 

  21.3.1

Within sixty (60) days of receipt of such Notice, Bottler will provide Company with a corrective action plan (the “Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan”). The Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan must provide for correction of all issues identified in the Notice of default within one (1) year or less from the date on which the Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan is provided to Company.

 

  21.3.2

Company will negotiate in good faith with Bottler the terms of the Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan.

 

  21.3.3

If Company and Bottler fail to agree on a Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan within sixty (60) days of Bottler’s tender of such plan, Bottler must cure the default described in the Notice of default within one (1) year of Bottler’s receipt of the Notice of default. If Bottler fails to cure the default described in the Notice of default within one (1) year of Bottler’s receipt of the Notice, the default will be deemed not to have been cured.

 

  21.3.4

If Company and Bottler timely agree on a Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan, but Bottler fails to implement the agreed Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan to Company’s reasonable satisfaction within the time period specified by the Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan, the default will be deemed not to have been cured.

 

  21.3.5

In the event of an uncured default under this Section 21.3, Company may, by giving Bottler further Notice of termination, terminate this Agreement and require Bottler to cease manufacturing Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities.

 

  21.4

The provisions of this Section 21 (including any cure) will not limit Company’s right to pursue remedies under this Agreement on account of Bottler’s default, other than (a) termination of this Agreement under Section 20, (b) cessation of Company’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement, or (c) rescission.

 

  21.5

In the case of a breach by Bottler or one of its Affiliates of its obligations under this Agreement (other than an event of default specified by Section 21.2), such breach will be deemed to be cured for purposes of this Section 21 if Bottler (or its Affiliate) has terminated the acts or omissions described in such Notice of breach, and has taken reasonable steps under the circumstances to prevent the recurrence of such breach.

 

- 18 -


22

[RESERVED.]

 

23

EFFECT OF BOTTLER’S CBA ON THIS AGREEMENT IN CERTAIN EVENTS

 

  23.1

Upon any termination of Bottler’s CBA by Company, Company will concurrently terminate this Agreement unless otherwise agreed in writing by the parties.

 

24

POST-EXPIRATION AND POST-TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS

 

  24.1

Upon the termination of this Agreement, except to the extent provided in any other agreement between Bottler and Company (or one of Company’s Affiliates):

 

  24.1.1

Bottler shall not thereafter continue to manufacture any of the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities or to make any use of the Trademarks or Authorized Containers, or any closures, cases or labels bearing the Trademarks in connection with the manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities; and

 

  24.1.2

Bottler shall forthwith deliver all materials used by Bottler exclusively for the manufacturing of the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, including Concentrates, usable returnable or any nonreturnable containers, cases, closures, and labels bearing the Trademarks, still in Bottler’s possession or under Bottler’s control, to Company or Company’s nominee, as instructed, and, upon receipt, Company shall pay to Bottler a sum equal to the reasonable market value of such supplies or materials. Company will accept and pay for only such articles as are, in the opinion of Company, in first-class and usable condition, and all other such articles shall be destroyed at Bottler’s expense. Containers, closures and all other items bearing the name of Bottler, in addition to the Trademarks, that have not been purchased by Company shall be destroyed without cost to Company, or otherwise disposed of in accordance with instructions given by Company, unless Bottler can remove or obliterate the Trademarks therefrom to the satisfaction of Company. The provisions for repurchase contained this Section 24.1.2 shall apply with regard to any Authorized Container approval of which has been withdrawn by Company under Section 12.10, except under circumstances under which this Agreement is terminated by Company in accordance with Section 20.

 

25

COMPANY’S RIGHT OF ASSIGNMENT

 

 

Company may assign any of its rights and delegate all or any of its duties or obligations under this Agreement to one or more of its Affiliates; provided, however, that any such assignment or delegation will not relieve Company from any of its contractual obligations under this Agreement.

 

26

LITIGATION

 

  26.1

Company reserves and has the sole and exclusive right and responsibility to institute any civil, administrative or criminal proceedings or actions, and generally to take or seek any available legal remedy it deems desirable, for the protection of its reputation, the Trademarks, and other intellectual property rights, as well as for the Concentrates, and to defend any action affecting these matters.

 

- 19 -


  26.2

At the request of Company, Bottler will render reasonable assistance in any such action, including, if requested to do so in the sole discretion of Company, allowing Bottler to be named as a party to such action. However, no financial burden will be imposed on Bottler for rendering such assistance.

 

  26.3

Bottler shall not have any claim against Company or its Affiliates as a result of such proceedings or action or for any failure to institute or defend such proceedings or action.

 

  26.4

Bottler must promptly notify Company of any litigation or proceedings instituted or threatened against Bottler affecting these matters.

 

  26.5

Bottler must not institute any legal or administrative proceedings against any third party that may affect the interests of Company in the Trademarks without the prior written consent of Company, which consent Company may grant or withhold in its sole discretion.

 

  26.6

Bottler will consult with Company on all product liability claims, proceedings or actions brought against Bottler in connection with the Authorized Covered Beverages and will take such action with respect to the defense of any such claim or lawsuit as Company may reasonably request in order to protect the interests of Company in the Authorized Covered Beverages or the goodwill associated with the Trademarks.

 

27

INDEMNIFICATION

 

  27.1

Company will indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless each of Bottler and its Affiliates, and their respective directors, officers, employees, shareholders, owners and agents, from and against all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, injuries, demands, actions, causes of action, suits, proceedings, judgments and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs and other legal expenses (collectively, “Losses”), to the extent arising from, connected with or attributable to: (a) Company’s manufacture of the Concentrates (except to the extent arising from matters for which Bottler is responsible under Section 13.5 or Section 27.2); (b) the breach by Company of any provision this Agreement; (c) Bottler’s use, in accordance with this Agreement and Company guidelines respecting use of Company intellectual property, of the Trademarks or of package labels; or (d) the inaccuracy of any warranty or representation made by Company herein or in connection herewith. None of the above indemnities shall require Company to indemnify, protect, defend or hold harmless any indemnitee with respect to any claim to the extent such claim arises from, is connected with or is attributable to the negligence or willful misconduct of such indemnitee.

 

  27.2

Bottler will indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless each of Company and its Affiliates, and their respective directors, officers, employees, shareholders, owners and agents, from and against all Losses to the extent arising from, connected with or attributable to: (a) Bottler’s manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities (except to the extent arising from matters for which Company is responsible under Section 13.4 or Section 27.1); (b) the breach by Bottler of any provision of this Agreement; or (c) the inaccuracy of any warranty or representation made by Bottler herein or in connection herewith. None of the above indemnities shall require Bottler to indemnify, protect, defend or hold harmless any indemnitee with respect to any claim to the extent such claim arises from, is connected with or is attributable to the negligence or willful misconduct of such indemnitee.

 

  27.3

Neither party will be obligated under this Section 27 to indemnify the other party for Losses consisting of lost profits or revenues, loss of use, or similar economic loss, or for any indirect, special, incidental, consequential or similar damages (“Consequential Damages”) arising out of or in connection with the performance or non-performance of this Agreement (except to the extent that an indemnified third party claim asserted against a party includes Consequential Damages).

 

- 20 -


28

BOTTLER’S INSURANCE

 

 

Bottler will obtain and maintain a policy of insurance with insurance carriers in such amounts and against such risks as would be maintained by a similarly situated company of a similar size and giving full and comprehensive coverage both as to amount and risks covered in respect of matters referred to in Section 27 (including Bottler’s indemnity of Company contained therein) and will on request produce evidence satisfactory to Company of the existence of such insurance. Compliance with this Section 28 will not limit or relieve Bottler from its obligations under Section 27. In addition, Bottler will satisfy the insurance requirements specified on Schedule 28.

 

29

[RESERVED.]

 

30

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

 

  30.1

Company and Bottler recognize that incidents may arise that can threaten the reputation and business of Bottler and/or negatively affect the good name, reputation and image of Company and the Trademarks.

 

  30.2

In order to address such incidents, including any questions of quality of the Authorized Covered Beverages that may occur, Bottler will designate and organize an incident management team and inform Company of the members of such team.

 

  30.3

Bottler further agrees to cooperate fully with Company and such third parties as Company may designate and coordinate all efforts to address and resolve any such incident consistent with procedures for crisis management that may be issued to Bottler by Company from time to time.

 

31

SEVERABILITY

 

   

If any provision of this Agreement is or becomes legally ineffective or invalid, the validity or effect of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected; provided that the invalidity or ineffectiveness of such provision shall not prevent or unduly hamper performance hereunder or prejudice the ownership or validity of the Trademarks.

 

32

REPLACEMENT OF CERTAIN PRIOR CONTRACTS, MERGER, AND REQUIREMENTS FOR MODIFICATION

 

  32.1

As to all matters and things herein mentioned, the parties agree:

 

  32.1.1

[Reserved];

 

  32.1.2

This Agreement, together with the National Product Supply System Governance Agreement and the documents implementing and governing the NPSG and the NPSG Board set forth the entire agreement between Company and Bottler with respect to the subject matter hereof, and all prior understandings, commitments or agreements relating to such matters between the parties or their predecessors-in-interest (including the Initial Regional Manufacturing Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2016) are of no force or effect and are cancelled hereby; provided, however, that any written representations made by either party upon which the other party relied in entering into this Agreement will remain binding to the extent identified on Schedule 32.1.2;

 

- 21 -


  32.1.3

Any waiver, amendment or modification of this Agreement or any of its provisions, and any consents given under this Agreement will not be binding upon Bottler or Company unless made in writing, signed by an officer or other duly qualified and authorized representative of Company or by a duly qualified and authorized representative of Bottler; and

 

  32.1.4

Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, this Section 32.1 is not intended to affect in any way the rights and obligations of Bottler (or any of its Affiliates) or Company (or any of its Affiliates) under Bottler’s CBA or the agreements listed in Schedule 32.1.2.

 

33

NO WAIVER

 

 

Failure of Company or Bottler (including any of their respective Affiliates) to exercise promptly any right herein granted, or to require strict performance of any obligation undertaken herein by the other party, will not be deemed to be a waiver of such right or of the right to demand subsequent performance of any and all obligations herein undertaken by Bottler or by Company.

 

34

NATURE OF AGREEMENT AND RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES

 

  34.1

Bottler is an independent contractor and is not an agent of, or a partner or joint venturer with, Company.

 

  34.2

Each of Company and Bottler agree that it will neither represent, nor allow itself to be held out as an agent of, or partner or joint venturer with the other (including any of its Affiliates).

 

  34.3

Bottler and Company do not intend to create, and this Agreement will not be construed to create, a partnership, joint venture, agency, or any form of fiduciary relationship. Each party covenants and agrees never to assert that a partnership, joint venture or fiduciary relationship exists or has been created under or in connection with this Agreement and the Related Agreements. There is no partnership, joint venture, agency, or any form of fiduciary relationship existing between Bottler and Company, but if it there is determined or found to be a partnership, joint venture, or agency, then Bottler and Company expressly disclaim all fiduciary duties that might otherwise exist under applicable law.

 

  34.4

Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended or will be construed to give any Person, other than the parties to this Agreement and their successors and permitted assigns, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of any agreement or any provision contained in this Agreement. This Agreement does not, and is not intended to, confer any rights or remedies upon any Person other than Bottler and Company.

 

35

HEADINGS AND OTHER MATTERS

 

  35.1

The headings herein are solely for the convenience of the parties and will not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

 

  35.2

As used in this Agreement, the phrase “including” means “including, without limitation” in each instance.

 

- 22 -


  35.3

References in this Agreement to Sections are to the respective Sections of this Agreement, and references to Exhibits and Schedules are to the respective Exhibits and Schedules of this Agreement as they may be amended from time to time.

 

36

EXECUTION IN MULTIPLE COUNTERPARTS

 

 

The parties may execute this Agreement in counterparts, each of which is deemed an original and all of which only constitute one original.

 

37

NOTICE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

 

  37.1

Notices.

 

  37.1.1

Requirement of a Writing and Permitted Methods of Delivery. Each party giving or making any notice, request, demand or other communication (each, a “Notice”) pursuant to this Agreement must give the Notice in writing and use one of the following methods of delivery, each of which for purposes of this Agreement is a writing:

 

  37.1.1.1

personal delivery;

 

  37.1.1.2

Registered or Certified Mail, in each case, return receipt requested and postage prepaid;

 

  37.1.1.3

nationally recognized overnight courier, with all fees prepaid;

 

  37.1.1.4

facsimile; or

 

  37.1.1.5

e-mail (followed by delivery of an original by another delivery method provided for in this Section).

 

  37.1.2

Addressees and Addresses. Each party giving a Notice must address the Notice to the appropriate person at the receiving party (the “Addressee”) at the address listed below or to another Addressee or at another address designated by a party in a Notice pursuant to this Section.

Company:

The Coca-Cola Company

One Coca-Cola Plaza

Atlanta, Georgia 30313

  Attention:

EVP & President CCNA [or such other title as may be applicable to Company’s most senior officer for North America operations]

Email: jdouglas@coca-cola.com

With a copy to:

The Coca-Cola Company

One Coca-Cola Plaza

Atlanta, Georgia 30313

Attention: General Counsel

Email: bgoepelt@coca-cola.com

 

- 23 -


and

King & Spalding LLP

1180 Peachtree Street NE

Atlanta, Georgia 30309

Attention:  William G. Roche

                  Anne M. Cox

Email: broche@kslaw.com

            acox@kslaw.com

Bottler:

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated

4100 Coca Cola Plaza

Charlotte, North Carolina 28211

Attention:     Lawrence K. Workman, Jr., Vice President

Email:           kent.workman@ccbcc.com

With a copy to:

Moore & Van Allen PLLC

100 North Tryon Street

Suite 4700

Charlotte, North Carolina 28202

Attention:         John V. McIntosh

                         E. Beauregarde Fisher III

Email:     johnmcintosh@mvalaw.com

                beaufisher@mvalaw.com

 

  37.1.3

Effectiveness of a Notice. Except as specifically provided elsewhere in this Agreement, a Notice is effective only if the party giving or making the Notice has complied with Sections 37.1.1 and 37.1.2 and if the Addressee has received the Notice. A Notice is deemed to have been received as follows:

 

  37.1.3.1

If a Notice is delivered in person, when delivered to the Addressee.

 

  37.1.3.2

If delivered by Registered or Certified Mail, upon receipt by Addressee, as indicated by the date on the signed receipt.

 

  37.1.3.3

If delivered by nationally recognized overnight courier service, one Business Day after deposit with such courier service.

 

  37.1.3.4

If sent by e-mail, when sent (if followed promptly by delivery of an original by another delivery method provided for in this Section).

 

  37.1.3.5

If the Addressee rejects or otherwise refuses to accept the Notice, or if the Notice cannot be delivered because of a change in address for which no Notice was given, then upon the rejection, refusal or inability to deliver.

 

- 24 -


  37.1.3.6

Despite the other clauses of this Section 37.1.3, if any Notice is received after 5:00 p.m. on a Business Day where the Addressee is located, or on a day that is not a Business Day where the Addressee is located, then the Notice is deemed received at 9:00 a.m. on the next Business Day where the Addressee is located.

 

  37.2

If Bottler’s signature or acknowledgment is required or requested with respect to any document in connection with this Agreement and any employee or representative authorized by Bottler “clicks” in the appropriate space on the website designated by Company or takes such other action as may be indicated by Company, Bottler shall be deemed to have signed or acknowledged the document to the same extent and with the same effect as if Bottler had signed the document manually; provided, however, that no such signature or acknowledgment shall amend or vary the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

  37.3

Bottler acknowledges and agrees that Bottler has the ability and knowledge to print information delivered to Bottler electronically, or otherwise knows how to store that information in a way that ensures that it remains accessible to Bottler in an unchanged form.

 

38

CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE

 

  38.1

This Agreement shall be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, United States of America, without giving effect to any applicable principles of choice or conflict of laws, as to contract formation, construction and interpretation issues, and the federal trademark laws of the United States of America as to trademark matters.

 

  38.2

The parties agree that any lawsuit commenced in connection with, or in relation to, this Agreement must be brought in a United States District Court, if there is any basis for federal court jurisdiction. If the party bringing such action reasonably concludes that federal court jurisdiction does not exist, then the party may commence such action in any court of competent jurisdiction.

 

39

CONFIDENTIALITY

 

  39.1

In the performance of this Agreement, each party may disclose to the other party certain Proprietary Information. The Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party will remain the sole and exclusive property of the Disclosing Party or a third party providing such information to the Disclosing Party. The disclosure of the Proprietary Information to the Receiving Party does not confer upon the Receiving Party any license, interest, or right of any kind in or to the Proprietary Information, except as expressly provided under this Agreement.

 

  39.2

At all times and notwithstanding any termination or expiration of this Agreement or any amendment hereto, the Receiving Party agrees that it will hold in strict confidence and not disclose to any third party the Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party, except as approved in writing by the Disclosing Party. The Receiving Party will only permit access to the Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party to those of its or its Affiliates’ employees or authorized representatives having a need to know and who have signed confidentiality agreements or are otherwise bound by confidentiality obligations at least as restrictive as those contained in this Agreement (including external auditors, attorneys and consultants).

 

  39.3

The Receiving Party will be responsible to the Disclosing Party for any third party’s use and disclosure of the Proprietary Information that the Receiving Party provides to such third party in accordance with this Agreement. The Receiving Party will use at least the same degree of care it would use to protect its own Proprietary Information of like importance, but in any case with no less than a reasonable degree of care, including maintaining information security standards specific to such information as set forth in this Agreement.

 

- 25 -


  39.4

If the Receiving Party is required by a Governmental Authority or applicable law to disclose any of the Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party, the Receiving Party will (a) first give Notice of such required disclosure to the Disclosing Party (to the extent permitted by applicable law), (b) if requested by the Disclosing Party, use reasonable efforts to obtain a protective order requiring that the Proprietary Information to be disclosed be used only for the purposes for which disclosure is required, (c) if requested by the Disclosing Party, take reasonable steps to allow the Disclosing Party to seek to protect the confidentiality of the Proprietary Information required to be disclosed, and (d) disclose only that part of the Proprietary Information that, after consultation with its legal counsel, it determines that it is required to disclose.

 

  39.5

Each party will immediately notify the other party in writing upon discovery of any loss or unauthorized use or disclosure of the Proprietary Information of the other party.

 

  39.6

The Receiving Party will not reproduce the Disclosing Party’s Proprietary Information in any form except as required to accomplish the intent of this Agreement. Any reproduction of any Proprietary Information by the Receiving Party will remain the property of the Disclosing Party and must contain any and all confidential or proprietary Notices or legends that appear on the original, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Disclosing Party.

 

  39.7

Neither party will communicate any information to the other party in violation of the proprietary rights of any third party.

 

  39.8

Upon the earlier of termination of this Agreement, written request of the Disclosing Party, or when no longer needed by the Receiving Party for fulfillment of its obligations under this Agreement, the Receiving Party will, if requested by the Disclosing Party, either: (a) promptly return to the Disclosing Party all documents and other tangible materials representing the Disclosing Party’s Proprietary Information, and all copies thereof in its possession or control, if any; or (b) destroy all tangible copies of the Disclosing Party’s Proprietary Information in its possession or control, if any, in each case, except to the extent that such action would violate applicable regulatory or legal requirements. Each party’s counsel may retain one copy of documents and communications between the Parties as necessary for archival purposes or regulatory purposes.

 

40

ACTIVE AND COMPLETE ARMS LENGTH NEGOTIATIONS

 

 

The parties acknowledge and agree that the terms and conditions of this Agreement have been the subject of active and complete negotiations, and that such terms and conditions must not be construed in favor of or against any party by reason of the extent to which a party or its professional advisors may have participated in the preparation of this Agreement.

 

41

RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

 

 

As relates to the Territories and the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, Company reserves all rights not expressly granted to Bottler under this Agreement or Bottler’s CBA.

 

- 26 -


42

BOTTLER AFFILIATES

 

 

Bottler hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees that any actions taken by any of Bottler’s Affiliates pursuant to this Agreement will be taken in accordance with all applicable requirements set forth herein to the same extent as if such actions had been taken by Bottler. Bottler acknowledges and agrees that any breach of this Agreement by any Affiliate of Bottler shall be considered a breach by Bottler for all purposes hereof.

[Signature page(s) follow]

 

- 27 -


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, COMPANY AT ATLANTA, GEORGIA, AND BOTTLER AT CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA, HAVE CAUSED THESE PRESENTS TO BE EXECUTED IN TRIPLICATE BY THE DULY AUTHORIZED PERSON OR PERSONS ON THEIR BEHALF ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

THE COCA-COLA COMPANY

 

By:  

/s/ J. Alexander M. Douglas, Jr.

  Authorized Representative

 

COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED

 

By:  

/s/ Lawrence K. Workman, Jr.

  Authorized Representative

 

[Signature Page to Initial Regional Manufacturing Agreement]


EXHIBIT A

Regional Manufacturing Facilities

 

1.

Sandston, VA

 

2.

Baltimore, MD

 

3.

Silver Spring, MD


EXHIBIT B

Authorized Covered Beverages

The following Beverages and all SKUs, packages, flavor, calorie and other variations (e.g., Sprite Cranberry, Sprite Zero Cranberry) of each such Beverage offered by Company that are identified by the primary Trademark that also identifies such Beverage or any modification of such primary Trademark, such as, e.g., the primary Trademark used in conjunction with a prefix, a suffix or other modifier:

Coca-Cola

Caffeine Free Coca-Cola

Diet Coke

Diet Coke with Lime

Diet Coke with Splenda®

Caffeine free Diet Coke

Coca-Cola Life

Coca-Cola Zero

caffeine free Coca-Cola Zero

Cherry Coke

Diet Cherry Coke

Cherry Coke Zero

Vanilla Coke

Diet Vanilla Coke

Vanilla Coke Zero

Barq’s

Diet Barq’s

DASANI

DASANI Plus

DASANI Sparkling

Fanta

Fanta Zero

Fresca

Mello Yello

Mello Yello Zero

PiBB Xtra

PiBB Zero

Seagram’s ginger ale

Seagram’s mixers

Seagram’s seltzer water

Sprite

Sprite Zero

TaB

VAULT

VAULT Zero

Delaware Punch


FUZE

FUZE iced tea

FUZE Juices

FUZE Refreshments

FUZE slenderize


Schedule 2.17

Related Agreements

 

1.

Interim Finished Goods Supply Agreement.


Schedule 2.18

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

 

 

[***]

 

[***]

 

[***]

 

 

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.


[***]

[***]

[***]

 

 

 

 

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.


Schedule 9.4

Regional Manufacturing Agreement

See attached.


Regional Manufacturing Agreement

Entered into by The Coca-Cola Company,

a Delaware corporation, and

                             , a                     

corporation, with Effective Date of

                       , 20    .

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

1.

  RECITALS      1   

2.

  DEFINITIONS      1   

3.

  AUTHORIZATION FOR BOTTLER TO PURCHASE CONCENTRATES AND TO MANUFACTURE AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES      4   

4.

  AUTHORIZATION FOR BOTTLER TO SELL AND SUPPLY AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES      4   

5.

  COMPANY AND BOTTLER RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS REGARDING THE TRADEMARKS      5   

6.

  REFORMULATION AND DISCONTINUATION OF THE CONCENTRATES      6   

7.

  TERRITORIAL LIMITATIONS AND TRANSSHIPPING      6   

8.

  ACQUIRED MANUFACTURING RIGHTS      6   

9.

  EFFECT OF NEW OR AMENDED MANUFACTURING AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER REGIONAL PRODUCING BOTTLERS      7   

10.

  OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER AS TO MANUFACTURE OF OTHER BEVERAGE PRODUCTS      7   

11.

  WARRANTIES OF COMPANY RELATING TO MANUFACTURE AND QUALITY OF THE CONCENTRATE      9   

12.

  OBLIGATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BOTTLER RELATING TO MANUFACTURE AND QUALITY OF THE AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES      9   

13.

  OBLIGATIONS OF COMPANY AND BOTTLER RELATING TO RECALL OF AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES      11   

14.

  OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER RELATING TO MANUFACTURE OF AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES, SYSTEM GOVERNANCE, INVESTMENT, MANAGEMENT, REPORTING AND PLANNING ACTIVITIES      12   

15.

  PRICING AND OTHER CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE AND SALE OF CONCENTRATES      14   

16.

  OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF BOTTLER      15   

17.

  TERM OF AGREEMENT      16   

18.

  COMMERCIAL IMPRACTICABILITY AND FORCE MAJEURE      16   

19.

  TERMINATION FOR DEFINED EVENTS      18   

20.

  DEFICIENCY TERMINATION      18   

21.

  BOTTLER RIGHT TO CURE      19   

22.

  BOTTLER’S RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS WITH RESPECT TO SALE OF ITS BUSINESS      21   

23.

  EFFECT OF THIS AGREEMENT ON BOTTLER’S CBA IN CERTAIN EVENTS      21   

24.

  POST-EXPIRATION AND POST-TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS      22   

25.

  COMPANY’S RIGHT OF ASSIGNMENT      22   

26.    

  LITIGATION      22   


27.    

  INDEMNIFICATION      23   

28.

  BOTTLER’S INSURANCE      24   

29.

  LIMITATION ON BOTTLER REPRESENTATIONS OR DISCLOSURES REGARDING AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES      24   

30.

  INCIDENT MANAGEMENT      24   

31.

  SEVERABILITY      25   

32.

  REPLACEMENT OF CERTAIN PRIOR CONTRACTS, MERGER, AND REQUIREMENTS FOR MODIFICATION      25   

33.

  NO WAIVER      26   

34.

  NATURE OF AGREEMENT AND RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES      26   

35.

  HEADINGS AND OTHER MATTERS      26   

36.

  EXECUTION IN MULTIPLE COUNTERPARTS      26   

37.

  NOTICE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT      26   

38.

  CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE      29   

39.

  CONFIDENTIALITY      29   

40.

  ACTIVE AND COMPLETE ARMS LENGTH NEGOTIATIONS      30   

41.

  RESERVATION OF RIGHTS      30   

42.

  BOTTLER AFFILIATES      30   


TABLE OF EXHIBITS

 

 

    Exhibit    

 

  

 

Title

 

  

 

    Exhibit References by    

Section

 

     
A    Regional Manufacturing Facilities   

2.13

8.1

 

     
B    Authorized Covered Beverages   

2.3

9.3

 

     
[C]    [Finished Goods Supply Agreements]   

[2.8]

 


TABLE OF SCHEDULES

 

 

    Schedule    

  

 

Title

  

 

    Schedule References by    

Section

 

 

2.17

 

  

 

Related Agreements

 

  

 

2.17

 

 

2.18

 

  

 

[***]

 

  

 

2.18

 

 

10.1.5

  

 

Third Party Beverages

  

 

10.1.5
10.1.6

 

 

12.2

 

  

 

Technical Requirements

 

  

 

12.2

 

 

28

 

  

 

Insurance Requirements

  

 

28

 

32.1.2

  

 

Agreements Not Affected by this Agreement

  

 

32.1.2

32.1.4

 

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.


Regional Manufacturing Agreement

 

THIS AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO BY THE COCA-COLA COMPANY, A DELAWARE CORPORATION (“COMPANY”), AND                                 , A                                  CORPORATION (“BOTTLER”).

 

1.

RECITALS

 

1.1.

Company and Bottler (or one or more Affiliates of Bottler) have entered into one or more Comprehensive Beverage Agreement(s) (as may be amended, restated or modified from time to time, “Bottler’s CBA”) authorizing Bottler to market, promote, distribute and sell Covered Beverages and Related Products within specific geographic Territories, subject to the terms and conditions contained in Bottler’s CBA. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement will have the meanings ascribed to them in Bottler’s CBA, unless a different meaning is ascribed under this Agreement;

 

1.2.

Company manufactures and sells, or authorizes others to manufacture and sell, the Concentrates used to manufacture certain of the Covered Beverages, the formulas for all of which constitute trade secrets owned by Company and which are identified by the Trademarks;

 

1.3.

Company and Bottler acknowledge that the manufacture of such Covered Beverages is subject to strict production standards and applicable regulatory requirements;

 

1.4.

Bottler and Company wish to enter into this Agreement in order to permit Bottler to manufacture, produce and package (collectively, “manufacture”), at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers both for (i) distribution and sale by Bottler and its Affiliates for their own account in accordance with Bottler’s CBA; and (ii) sale by Bottler and its Affiliates to Company and to certain other U. S. Coca-Cola Bottlers in accordance with this Agreement;

 

1.5.

Bottler has requested an authorization from Company to use the Trademarks in connection with such manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages;

 

1.6.

Company is willing to grant the requested authorization to Bottler under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

 

1.7.

Company and Bottler are parties to certain pre-existing contracts, some of which are identified in Bottler’s CBA Exhibit D under which Company has previously authorized Bottler (or one or more Affiliates of Bottler) to manufacture in certain authorized containers, and market, promote, distribute and sell, Coca-Cola and other beverages marketed under Company’s trademarks. All such pre-existing contracts are amended, restated and superseded by this Agreement and Bottler’s CBA, as of the Effective Date, to the extent provided in Section 32.

COMPANY AND BOTTLER AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

2.

DEFINITIONS

 

2.1.

“Agreement” means this Regional Manufacturing Agreement between Bottler and Company, as amended from time to time.


2.2.

“Authorized Containers” means containers of certain types, sizes, shapes and other distinguishing characteristics that Company from time to time approves in its sole discretion, subject to Section 12.9, for use by all Regional Producing Bottlers in manufacturing Authorized Covered Beverages. A list of Authorized Containers for each Authorized Covered Beverage will be provided by Company to Bottler, which list may be amended by additions, deletions or modifications by Company from time to time in its sole discretion.

 

2.3.

“Authorized Covered Beverages” means the Covered Beverages identified on Exhibit B, that all Regional Producing Bottlers are authorized to manufacture in Authorized Containers at their respective regional manufacturing facilities, which Exhibit will be deemed automatically amended to add any Covered Beverage that Company hereafter authorizes for concentrate-based, cold-fill manufacturing by any U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler, and which may otherwise be updated from time to time as mutually agreed by Company and the NPSG. For purposes hereof, cold-fill manufacturing means the process of manufacturing beverages in which the product is chilled, or equal to or less than ambient temperature, at time of filling and packaging. [Note to Draft: Authorization to manufacture Incubation Beverages and fountain syrups to be covered under separate agreements.]

 

2.4.

“Company Owned Manufacturer” means any Affiliate or operating unit of Company located in the United States that manufactures any of the Authorized Covered Beverages for distribution or sale within the United States.

 

2.5.

“Concentrates” means the concentrates and/or beverage bases used to manufacture the Authorized Covered Beverages, the formulas for all of which constitute trade secrets owned by Company and which are identified by the applicable Trademarks.

 

2.6.

“Effective Date” means                                         .

 

2.7.

“Expanding Participating Bottler” has the meaning ascribed to that term under the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement.

 

2.8.

“Finished Goods Supply Agreement”: [Note to Draft: Definitions to be updated as necessary as a result of impact of conversion of Bottler’s legacy territory. Parties to discuss attaching NPSG Finished Goods Supply Agreement and Regional Finished Goods Supply Agreement as Exhibit C when finalized.]

 

  2.8.1.

“NPSG Finished Goods Supply Agreement” means [the form of finished goods supply agreement to be mutually agreed by Company and Bottler, that will provide, among other things, that Bottler’s pricing to other Regional Producing Bottlers will be calculated by Bottler in accordance with the pricing formula set forth in Section 4.1.2 hereof, which has been determined unilaterally by Company in a manner that supports and enables [***], and to strengthen the competitiveness of the Coca-Cola finished goods production system.]

 

  2.8.2.

“Regional Finished Goods Supply Agreement” means the form of finished goods supply agreement to be mutually agreed by Company and Bottler, that will provide, among other things that Bottler’s pricing to Expanding Participating Bottlers and Participating Bottlers will be the [***].

 

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[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.


2.9.

[***]

 

2.10.

“National Product Supply Group” or “NPSG” means The Coca-Cola System National Product Supply Group, as described more fully in the National Product Supply System Governance Agreement.

 

2.11.

“National Product Supply Group Board” or “NPSG Board” means The Coca-Cola System National Product Supply Group Governance Board, the governing body for the Coca-Cola National Product Supply Group consisting of representatives of Company and all Regional Producing Bottlers, as described more fully in the National Product Supply System Governance Agreement between Bottler, certain other Regional Producing Bottlers and Company dated as of October 30, 2015.

 

2.12.

“Participating Bottler” means any U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler that is not a Regional Producing Bottler or an Expanding Participating Bottler that is party to a Comprehensive Beverage Agreement with Company.

 

2.13.

“Recipient Bottler” means the U.S. Coca-Cola Bottlers which Bottler is authorized pursuant to this Agreement to supply with Authorized Covered Beverages manufactured by Bottler.

 

2.14.

“Regional Manufacturing Facilities” means the manufacturing facilities owned and operated by Bottler and listed on Exhibit A, which Exhibit will be deemed automatically amended to add any manufacturing facility acquired or built by Bottler after the Effective Date with the approval of the NPSG, and, subject to the requirements of National Product Supply System Governance Agreement, may otherwise be updated from time to time as mutually agreed by Company and Bottler.

 

2.15.

“Regional Producing Bottler” means (i) Bottler; (ii) any other Expanding Participating Bottler that is a member of the NPSG that Company has authorized to manufacture Authorized Covered Beverages in accordance with a regional manufacturing authorization agreement with terms and conditions that are substantially similar to those of this Agreement (or that are substantially similar to the form of regional manufacturing authorization agreement the parties previously entered into); and (iii) a Company Owned Manufacturer that is a member of the National Product Supply Group.

 

2.16.

[Reserved.]

 

2.17.

Related Agreement” means any agreement identified on Schedule 2.17 between Company and any of Company’s Affiliates and Bottler and any of Bottler’s Affiliates relating to the manufacturing of Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

2.18.

[***]

 

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[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.


2.19.

[***]

 

3.

AUTHORIZATION FOR BOTTLER TO PURCHASE CONCENTRATES AND TO MANUFACTURE AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES

 

3.1.

Company appoints Bottler as an authorized purchaser of the Concentrates for the purpose of manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities. Except as otherwise mutually agreed in writing by Company and Bottler, Company shall not appoint, and shall not consent to any appointment by Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc. or any of its other Affiliates of, any other Person as an authorized purchaser of the Concentrates for the purposes of manufacture, packaging and distribution of such Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers for sale in Bottler’s First Line Territory or in Bottler’s Sub-Bottling Territory, respectively.

 

3.2.

Bottler will purchase its entire requirements of Concentrates for such Authorized Covered Beverages exclusively from Company and will not use any other syrup, beverage base, concentrate or other ingredient not specified by Company in the manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

4.

AUTHORIZATION FOR BOTTLER TO SELL AND SUPPLY AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES [Note to Draft: Section 4 is subject to modification as provided in the CCNA Exchange Letter Agreement dated [            ], 2016.]

 

4.1.

With the objective of ensuring that U.S. Coca-Cola Bottlers are able to acquire finished goods from Regional Producing Bottlers at a price that enables the Coca-Cola Bottler System to be highly competitive in the marketplace, Company authorizes Bottler to sell and supply Authorized Covered Beverages manufactured by Bottler:

 

  4.1.1.

To other Regional Producing Bottlers at the price specified in this Section 4.1.1 and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the NPSG Finished Goods Supply Agreement:

 

  4.1.1.1.

For calendar year 2017, the price shall be [***].

 

  4.1.1.2.

For calendar year 2018 and thereafter, the price shall be [***].

 

  4.1.2.

To Expanding Participating Bottlers and Participating Bottlers at the price specified in this Section 4.1.2 and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Regional Finished Goods Supply Agreement:

 

  4.1.2.1.

For calendar year 2017, the price shall be [***].

 

  4.1.2.2.

For calendar year 2018 and thereafter, the price shall be [***].

 

-4-

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.


4.2.

Company authorizes Bottler to sell and supply Authorized Covered Beverages manufactured by Bottler to Company, and Bottler agrees to sell to Company Authorized Covered Beverages, at a price equivalent to [***], in quantities sufficient to enable Company to satisfy demand of U.S. Coca-Cola Bottlers that are not Regional Producing Bottlers, Expanding Participating Bottlers or Participating Bottlers in accordance with sourcing plans developed by the NPSG from time to time.

 

4.3.

Upon Company’s request, Bottler agrees to advise Company, in accordance with written instructions issued by Company from time to time, of the amount of the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers that are manufactured and sold by Bottler to Company, and, as applicable, to each Regional Producing Bottler, Expanding Participating Bottler and Participating Bottler; provided, however, that Bottler will not be required to provide Company with duplicate copies of any such information provided to the NPSG that expressly directs the NPSG to provide such information to Company.

 

5.

COMPANY AND BOTTLER RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS REGARDING THE TRADEMARKS

 

5.1.

Bottler acknowledges and agrees that Company is the sole and exclusive owner of all rights, title and interest in and to the Trademarks. Company has the unrestricted right, in its sole discretion, to use the Trademarks on the Authorized Covered Beverages and on all other products and merchandise, to determine which Trademarks will be used on which Authorized Covered Beverages, and to determine how the Trademarks will be displayed and used on and in connection with the Authorized Covered Beverages. Bottler agrees not to dispute the validity of the Trademarks or their exclusive ownership by Company either during the Term or thereafter, notwithstanding any applicable doctrines of licensee estoppel.

 

5.2.

Company grants to Bottler only a nonexclusive, royalty-free license to use the Trademarks in connection with the manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities and in connection with the sale of such Authorized Covered Beverages to Recipient Bottlers and Company as provided in this Agreement, and in accordance with standards adopted and issued by Company from time to time, and made available to Bottler through written, electronic, on-line or other form or media, subject to the rights reserved to Company under this Agreement.

 

5.3.

Nothing in this Agreement, nor any act or failure to act by Bottler or Company, will give Bottler any proprietary or ownership interest of any kind in the Trademarks or in the goodwill associated therewith.

 

5.4.

Bottler acknowledges and agrees that, as between Company and Bottler, all use by Bottler of the Trademarks will inure to the benefit of Company.

 

5.5.

Except as provided in Bottler’s CBA or as otherwise authorized by Company in writing, Bottler must not adopt or use any name, corporate name, trading name, title of establishment or other commercial designation or logo that includes the words “Coca-Cola”, “Coca”, “Cola”, “Coke”, or any of them, or any word, name or designation that is confusingly similar to any of them, or any graphic or visual representation of the Trademarks or any other Trademark or intellectual property owned by Company, without the prior written consent of Company, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld and will be contingent on Bottler’s compliance with Bottler’s CBA and this Agreement.

 

-5-

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.


5.6.

Bottler recognizes that the uniform external appearance of the Trademarks on primary and secondary packaging and on equipment and materials used under this Agreement is important to the Trademarks, the successful marketing of the Covered Beverages, and the Coca-Cola system.

 

  5.6.1.

Bottler agrees, to the extent such Trademarks are utilized by Bottler in connection with the manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages, to accept and, within a reasonable time, apply, any new or modified standards adopted and issued from time to time by Company that are generally applicable, and made available to Bottler for the design and decoration of trucks and other delivery vehicles, packaging materials, cases, cartons, and other materials and equipment that bear such Trademarks.

 

  5.6.2.

If Company changes such standards, the new standards will apply to all such assets acquired by Bottler following receipt of Notice of the change in standards to the extent Bottler uses the Trademarks on such assets, and will be applied to such existing assets in the normal course of Bottler’s business (e.g., trucks would be repainted consistent with normal maintenance cycles).

 

6.

REFORMULATION AND DISCONTINUATION OF THE CONCENTRATES

 

6.1.

Company has the sole and exclusive right and discretion to reformulate any of the Concentrates.

 

6.2.

Company has the right to discontinue any Concentrates for any Authorized Covered Beverage that is discontinued or Transferred in accordance with the terms of Bottler’s CBA.

 

7.

TERRITORIAL LIMITATIONS AND TRANSSHIPPING

 

7.1.

Company and Bottler hereby agree that, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 10 of Bottler’s CBA, Bottler may supply Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers to Recipient Bottlers in accordance with Section 4 for distribution by such Recipient Bottlers in their respective territories in accordance with their respective Comprehensive Beverage Agreement(s) or other agreements with Company.

 

7.2.

Bottler agrees not to sell, distribute or otherwise transfer any Authorized Covered Beverage except, (i) distribution and sale in Bottler’s (or any one or more of its Affiliates’) Territories in accordance with Bottler’s CBA, and (ii) sales of Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers to Recipient Bottlers or Company in accordance with Section 4.

 

8.

ACQUIRED MANUFACTURING RIGHTS

 

8.1.

If, after the Effective Date, Bottler acquires from another U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler the right to manufacture any of the Authorized Covered Beverages, then, unless otherwise agreed in writing by Company and Bottler, such manufacturing rights will automatically be deemed covered under this Agreement for all purposes and Exhibit A will be deemed automatically amended to add any manufacturing facilities acquired in such acquisition to the list of Regional Manufacturing Facilities identified in Exhibit A, and any separate agreement that may exist concerning such manufacturing rights will be deemed amended, restated and superseded by this Agreement.

 

-6-


8.2.

The parties agree to cooperate in taking such other actions as may reasonably be required to further document any amendments and modifications resulting from the application of Section 8.1 to Bottler’s acquisition of manufacturing rights from another U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler.

 

9.

EFFECT OF NEW OR AMENDED MANUFACTURING AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER REGIONAL PRODUCING BOTTLERS

 

9.1.

If Company or a Company Affiliate on or after [Note to Draft: insert effective date of initial Regional Manufacturing Agreement] (a) enters into a new authorization agreement to manufacture all or substantially all Authorized Covered Beverages in territories in the United States of America with another Regional Producing Bottler (other than a Company Owned Distributor) that is more favorable to such other Regional Producing Bottler than the terms and conditions of this Agreement in any material respect, or (b) agrees to an amendment of the terms of a regional manufacturing agreement or other similar agreement authorizing manufacture of all or substantially all Authorized Covered Beverages in territories in the United States with another Regional Producing Bottler (other than a Company Owned Distributor) that is more favorable to such other Regional Producing Bottler than the terms and conditions of this Agreement in any material respect, then Company will offer such other new agreement or amended agreement, as the case may be (a “New Agreement”), in its entirety, to Bottler. If the New Agreement relates to less than all of the Authorized Covered Beverages, then the New Agreement offered to Bottler under this Section 9.1 will cover only those Authorized Covered Beverages covered by the New Agreement.

 

9.2.

The foregoing obligation will not apply to any consent, waiver or approval provided under this Agreement or under any agreement held by another Regional Producing Bottler; provided, however, that Company will not waive or otherwise enter into any agreement with any other Regional Producing Bottler that limits (a) the requirement set forth in Section 14.1 or any equivalent requirement under any Regional Manufacturing Agreement held by another Regional Producing Bottler or (b) the requirement set forth in Section 14.3.1 or any equivalent requirement under any Regional Manufacturing Agreement held by another Regional Producing Bottler.

 

9.3.

Nothing in this Section 9 will affect (a) Company’s obligation under Section 15.2 or (b) Company’s agreement that the list of Covered Beverages identified on Exhibit B will be the same for all Regional Producing Bottlers.

 

9.4.

The parties agree to cooperate in taking such other actions as may reasonably be required to further document any amendments and modifications resulting from the provisions of this Section 9.

 

10.

OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER AS TO MANUFACTURE OF OTHER BEVERAGE PRODUCTS

 

10.1.

Bottler covenants and agrees (subject to any requirements imposed upon Bottler under applicable law) not to manufacture any Beverage, Beverage Component, or other beverage product except for:

 

  10.1.1.

Authorized Covered Beverages, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and any Related Agreement;

 

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  10.1.2.

Beverages (including Incubation Beverages), Beverage Components and other beverage products, if and to the extent (a) authorized under any separate written agreement with Company or any of Company’s Affiliates, or (b) otherwise requested by Company or any of its Affiliates;

 

  10.1.3.

Permitted Beverage Products distributed by Bottler or its Affiliates for their own account, subject to the terms and conditions of Bottler’s or Bottler Affiliate’s CBA;

 

  10.1.4.

Beverages, Beverage Components and other beverage products manufactured by Bottler under license from a third party brand owner and supplied by Bottler to a Recipient Bottler, subject to the terms and conditions of the Recipient Bottler’s CBA or other bottling and distribution agreements between Company and Recipient Bottler; provided that Bottler will not supply any such Beverage, Beverage Component or other beverage product to any Recipient Bottler if Company provides Bottler with Notice that such Beverage, Beverage Component or other beverage product is not a Permitted Beverage Product under such Recipient Bottler’s CBA (or that is prohibited by other bottling and distribution agreements between Company and Recipient Bottler); provided, further, that Bottler’s supply of any Beverage, Beverage Component or other beverage product to a Recipient Bottler that is not a Permitted Beverage Product under such Recipient Bottler’s CBA (or that is prohibited by other bottling and distribution agreements between Company and Recipient Bottler) will not be a breach of this Section 10.1.4 unless Company provides Bottler with such Notice and Bottler continues to supply such Beverage to such Recipient Bottler thereafter in violation of such Notice;

 

  10.1.5.

Beverages, Beverage Components and other beverage products manufactured by Bottler under license from a third party brand owner and supplied by Bottler to another U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler as of the Effective Date, as specified on Schedule 10.1.5; and [Note to Draft: Bottler to provide Company with list of such Beverages produced for each recipient U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler; Company to confirm that any such U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler is permitted to distribute any such Beverage to under such bottler’s agreements with Company.]

 

  10.1.6.

Beverages, Beverage Components and other beverage products, not otherwise permitted under Sections 10.1.3, 10.1.4, or 10.1.5, manufactured by Bottler under license from a third party brand owner with Company’s prior written consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld and will be specified on Schedule 10.1.5. [Note to Draft: Bottler to provide Company with list of such Beverages produced for each recipient for Company’s consideration in developing initial Schedule 10.1.5.]

 

10.2.

Notwithstanding anything in Section 10.1 to the contrary, if the NPSG reasonably determines during product supply system sourcing plan development routines that Bottler should supply any Beverage manufactured by Bottler under license from a third party brand owner to certain Recipient Bottlers and/or certain other Regional Producing Bottlers in order to optimize the location for production of such Beverages, then Bottler may do so on a temporary basis as reasonably determined by the NPSG (but in any event not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days).

 

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11.

WARRANTIES OF COMPANY RELATING TO MANUFACTURE AND QUALITY OF THE CONCENTRATE

Company agrees and warrants that the Concentrates supplied to Bottler, as well as Company’s package designs and design specifications of packages and labels authorized by Company for use on Authorized Covered Beverages, shall comply with all food, labeling, health, packaging and all other applicable laws, including the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended (the “Act”), and regulations, and when supplied to Bottler will not be adulterated, contaminated, or misbranded within the meaning of the Act or any other federal, state or local law, rule or regulation applicable thereto.

 

12.

OBLIGATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BOTTLER RELATING TO MANUFACTURE AND QUALITY OF THE AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES

 

12.1.

Bottler agrees and warrants that Bottler’s handling and storage of the Concentrates and Bottler’s manufacture, handling, storage, transportation and delivery of the Authorized Covered Beverages, including any Authorized Covered Beverages supplied to Company or any Recipient Bottler, will at all times and in all events:

 

  12.1.1.

be accomplished in accordance with the product, package and equipment quality; food safety; workplace safety; and environmental sustainability standards, requirements and instructions reasonably established and routinely communicated in writing, including through electronic systems and media, by Company to Bottler from time to time (collectively “Technical Requirements); and

 

  12.1.2.

comply with all food, labeling, health, packaging, environmental, safety, sanitation and all other applicable laws, rules, orders, regulations and requirements of any federal, state, city, county or other local government, including any law, statute, ordinance, rule regulation, order, determination, restrictive covenant or deed restriction that regulates the use, generation, disposal, release, storage or presence at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities of substances based upon corrosiveness, toxicity, carcinogenic properties, radioactivity, environmentally hazardous or similar characteristics.

 

12.2.

The Technical Requirements as of the Effective Date are identified on Schedule 12.2, which schedule will be updated by Company from time to time following discussion with the NPSG and Notice to each Regional Producing Bottler (including any Company Owned Manufacturers).

 

  12.2.1.

Company agrees that all Regional Producing Bottlers will be required to comply with same Technical Requirements; provided, however, that (i) Company may make limited exceptions in application or enforcement where necessary to prevent undue hardship for a Regional Producing Bottler, which exceptions shall not in any way be deemed to modify the Technical Requirements and (ii) this Section 12.2.1 shall not in any way effect, limit, or modify any of Bottler’s or Company’s respective rights and obligations under this Agreement, including Bottler’s obligations under Section 12.1.

 

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12.3.

Bottler represents, warrants and covenants that Bottler possesses, or will possess, prior to the manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages, and will maintain during the Term, such plant or plants, machinery and equipment, qualified technical personnel and trained staff as are capable of manufacturing the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers in accordance with this Agreement and in sufficient quantities to meet fully the demand for the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers by Bottler in the Territory in accordance with sourcing plans developed by the NPSG from time to time.

 

12.4.

Bottler agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to meet fully the demand for the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers from Recipient Bottlers in accordance with sourcing plans developed by the NPSG from time to time.

 

12.5.

Bottler recognizes that increases in the demand for the Authorized Covered Beverages, as well as changes in the list of Authorized Containers, may, from time to time, require adaptation of its existing manufacturing or packaging equipment or the purchase of additional manufacturing or packaging equipment. Bottler agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to make such modifications and adaptations as necessary and to purchase and install such equipment, in time to permit the introduction and manufacture of sufficient quantities of the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers, to satisfy fully the demand for the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers in the Territory and to fulfill Bottler’s supply obligations, if any, to Recipient Bottlers, in each case in accordance with sourcing plans developed by the NPSG from time to time.

 

12.6.

As of the date the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers are shipped by Bottler, the Authorized Covered Beverages manufactured by Bottler will meet the Technical Requirements and will comply with all applicable laws; provided, however, that Bottler will not be responsible for any failure to comply with the Technical Requirements or applicable laws to the extent such failure results from the content or design of labels authorized by Company for use on Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

12.7.

Bottler, in accordance with such instructions as may be given from time to time by Company, will submit to Company, at Bottler’s expense, samples of the Authorized Covered Beverages and the raw materials used in the manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages. Bottler will permit representatives of Company to have access to the premises of Bottler during ordinary business hours to inspect the plant, equipment, and methods used by Bottler in order to ascertain whether Bottler is complying with the terms of this Section 12, including whether Bottler is complying strictly with the Technical Requirements with respect to the manufacturing, handling and storage of the Authorized Covered Beverages. Bottler will also provide Company with all the information regarding Bottler’s compliance with the terms of this Section 12, as Company may reasonably request from time to time.

 

12.8.

Bottler is authorized to use only Authorized Containers in the manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages, and will use only such Authorized Containers, closures, cases, cartons and other packages and labels as will be authorized from time to time by Company for Bottler and will purchase such items only from manufacturers approved by Company, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld.

 

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  12.8.1.

Company will approve three (3) or more manufacturers of such items, if in the reasonable opinion of Company, there are three (3) or more manufacturers who are capable of producing such items to be fully suitable for the purpose intended and in accordance with the high quality standards and image of excellence of the Trademarks and the Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

  12.8.2.

Such approval by Company does not relieve Bottler of Bottler’s independent responsibility to assure that the Authorized Containers, closures, cases, cartons and other packages and labels purchased by Bottler are suitable for the purpose intended, and in accordance with the good reputation and image of excellence of the Trademarks and Covered Beverages (it being understood and agreed, however, that Bottler will not be responsible for the review or inspection of the content or design of labels authorized by Company for use on Authorized Covered Beverages).

 

12.9.

Company reserves the right to withdraw from time to time its approval of any of the Authorized Containers upon six (6) months’ prior Notice to Bottler, and, in such event, the repurchase provisions of Section 24.1.2 will apply to such containers so disapproved that are owned by Bottler. Company will exercise its right to approve, and to withdraw its approval of, specific Authorized Containers in good faith and after consultation with Bottler so as to permit Bottler to continue to satisfy the demand in Bottler’s Territory as a whole for Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

12.10.

Bottler will use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain at all times a stock of, or have entered into other alternate supply arrangements to obtain, Authorized Containers, closures, labels, cases, cartons, and other essential related materials bearing the Trademarks, sufficient to satisfy fully the demand for Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers in Bottler’s Territory and to fulfill Bottler’s supply obligations, if any, to Recipient Bottlers, in each case in accordance with sourcing plans developed by the NPSG from time to time, and Bottler will not use or authorize any other Person to use Authorized Containers, or such closures, labels, cases, cartons and other materials, if they bear the Trademarks or contain any Beverages, for any purpose other than the packaging of the Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

12.11.

Bottler agrees not to refill or otherwise reuse nonreturnable containers.

 

12.12.

The parties acknowledge that Bottler makes the representations, warranties and agreements set forth in this Section 12 in reliance on Company’s warranty in Section 11.

 

13.

OBLIGATIONS OF COMPANY AND BOTTLER RELATING TO RECALL OF AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES

 

13.1.

If Company determines or becomes aware of the existence of any quality or technical problems relating to any Authorized Covered Beverages, or any package used for such Authorized Covered Beverage, in Bottler’s Territory, Company will immediately notify Bottler by telephone, facsimile, e-mail or any other form of immediate communication. This notification will include, to the extent available to Company, (a) the identity and quantities of Authorized Covered Beverages involved, including the specific packages, (b) coding data, and (c) all other relevant data that will assist in tracing such Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

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  13.1.1.

Company may require Bottler to take all necessary action to recall all of such Authorized Covered Beverages, or any package used for such Authorized Covered, or withdraw immediately such Authorized Covered Beverages from the market or the trade, as the case may be.

 

  13.1.2.

Company will notify Bottler by telephone, facsimile, e-mail or any other form of immediate communication of the decision by Company to require Bottler to recall Authorized Covered Beverages or withdraw such Authorized Covered Beverages from the market or trade.

 

13.2.

If Bottler determines or becomes aware of the existence of quality or technical problems relating to Authorized Covered Beverages, then Bottler must immediately notify Company by telephone, e-mail or any other form of immediate communication. This notification must include: (a) the identity and quantities of Authorized Covered Beverages involved, including the specific packages, (b) coding data, and (c) all other relevant data that will assist in tracing such Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

13.3.

In the event of a withdrawal or recall of any Authorized Covered Beverage or any package used for such Authorized Covered Beverage, that was produced by Bottler and sold to a Recipient Bottler, Bottler will use its commercially reasonable efforts to respond promptly and fairly if a claim is made by a Recipient Bottler as a result of any such withdrawal or recall.

 

13.4.

If any withdrawal or recall of any Authorized Covered Beverage or any of the packages used therefor is caused by (i) quality or technical defects in the Concentrates, or other materials prepared by Company from which the product involved was prepared by Bottler, or (ii) quality or technical defects in Company’s designs and design specifications of packages and labels authorized by Company for use on Authorized Covered Beverages (and specifically excluding designs and specifications of other parties and the failure of other parties to manufacture packages in strict conformity with the designs and specifications of Company), Company will reimburse Bottler for Bottler’s total reasonable expenses incident to such withdrawal or recall, including any payment made by Bottler to a Recipient Bottler in connection with the specific withdrawal or recall.

 

13.5.

Conversely, if any withdrawal or recall is caused by Bottler’s failure to comply with the Technical Requirements or any applicable laws, rules and regulations (it being understood and agreed that Bottler will not be responsible for any failure to comply with the Technical Requirements or applicable laws to the extent such failure results from the content or design of labels authorized by Company for use on Authorized Covered Beverages), Bottler will bear its total expenses of such withdrawal or recall and reimburse Company for Company’s total reasonable expenses incident to such withdrawal or recall.

 

14.

OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER RELATING TO MANUFACTURE OF AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES, SYSTEM GOVERNANCE, INVESTMENT, MANAGEMENT, REPORTING AND PLANNING ACTIVITIES

 

14.1.

Bottler will participate fully in, and comply fully with, the requirements and programs established from time to time by the NPSG Board; provided, however, that Bottler will not be required to engage in conduct that would result in breach of this Agreement, Bottler’s CBA, or any other agreements between Company and Bottler.

 

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14.2.

Bottler will provide competent and well-trained management and recruit, train, maintain and direct all personnel as required to perform all of Bottler’s obligations under this Agreement, and, in accordance with any requirements imposed upon Bottler under applicable laws, consult with Company, as applicable, before hiring a new Chief Executive Officer, senior operating officer, senior financial officer, senior product supply or manufacturing officer, or senior commercial officer of Bottler; provided however, that Company’s consent will not be required with respect to such hiring decisions made by Bottler.

 

14.3.

Company and Bottler hereby agree that:

 

  14.3.1.

Notwithstanding any provision of Bottler’s CBA to the contrary regarding minimum capital expenditures, Bottler shall make capital expenditures (as defined under generally accepted accounting principles in force in the United States of America or in any successor set of accounting principles that may then be in effect), in Bottler’s business of marketing, promoting, distributing, selling and manufacturing Covered Beverages in Bottler’s Territory, in sufficient amounts such that, when taken together with the capital expenditures required under Section 14.5 of Bottler’s CBA, Bottler’s aggregate capital expenditures with respect to such business shall equal the greater of (a) two and one/half percent (2.5%) of Bottler’s Annual Net Revenue related to the manufacture, distribution and sale of Covered Beverages over each rolling five-calendar year period during the Term, or (b) such other amount as reasonably required for Bottler to comply with its obligations under Bottler’s CBA and this Agreement. Such capital expenditures will be for the organization, installation, operation, maintenance and replacement within Bottler’s Territory of such manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, delivery, transportation, vending equipment, merchandising equipment, and other facilities, infrastructure, assets, and equipment. For the avoidance of doubt, any capital expenditures related to Strategic Infrastructure Planning projects approved by the NPSG Board are separate from, and in addition to, the capital expenditures described in this paragraph.

 

  14.3.2.

For this purpose, capital expenditures will be calculated on a cash (rather than accrual) basis (i.e., it will be assumed that all such capitalized expenditures are expensed in the year made rather than capitalized and amortized).

 

14.4.

Bottler will maintain the consolidated financial capacity reasonably necessary to assure that Bottler and all Bottler Affiliates will be financially able to perform their respective duties and obligations under this Agreement.

 

14.5.

Upon Company’s request, Bottler will provide to Company each year and review with Company an annual and long range operating plan and budget for Bottler’s business of manufacturing Authorized Covered Beverages, including financials and capital investment budgets, and, if requested by Company, discuss changes in general management and senior management of Bottler’s manufacturing business, except to the extent otherwise prohibited by applicable law.

 

14.6.

Bottler will:

 

  14.6.1.

Maintain accurate books, accounts and records relating to the purchasing of Concentrate and the manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages under this Agreement; and

 

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  14.6.2.

Upon Company’s request, provide to Company such operational, financial, accounting, forecasting, planning and other information, including audited and unaudited detail of cost of goods sold and sales volume for Authorized Covered Beverages to the extent, in the form and manner, as permitted by applicable law and at such times as reasonably required (a) by Company to determine whether Bottler is performing its obligations under this Agreement; (b) by Company to calculate finished goods pricing under the NPSG Finished Goods Supply Agreement or Regional Finished Goods Supply Agreement and (c) by the NPSG Board for the purpose of implementing, administering, and operating the NPSG, subject to appropriate regulatory firewalls ((a), (b), and (c) collectively, the “Financial Information”); provided, however, that Bottler will not be required to provide Company with duplicate copies of any compilation of Financial Information provided to the NPSG that expressly directs the NPSG to provide such compilation to Company.

 

14.7.

The parties recognize that the Financial Information is critical to the ability of Company and the NPSG to maintain, promote, and safeguard the overall performance, efficiency, integrity, and competitiveness of the product supply system for Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

14.8.

Company will hold the Financial Information provided by Bottler in accordance with the confidentiality provisions of Section 39 and will not use such information for any purpose other than determining compliance with this Agreement, to calculate finished goods pricing under the NPSG Finished Goods Supply Agreement or Regional Finished Goods Supply Agreement or as necessary to provide to the NPSG, subject to appropriate regulatory firewalls, for the purpose of facilitating the NPSG’s execution of operational responsibilities such as infrastructure optimization, national sourcing and strategic initiative decisions.

 

15.

PRICING AND OTHER CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE AND SALE OF CONCENTRATES

 

15.1.

Subject to Section 15.2, Company reserves the right to establish and to revise at any time, in its sole discretion, the price of any of the Concentrates, the terms of payment, and the other terms and conditions of supply, any such revision to be effective immediately upon Notice to Bottler. Bottler acknowledges that information related to pricing of Company’s Concentrates is confidential and will be maintained as such in accordance with Section 39.

 

15.2.

If Company exercises its discretion under Section 15.1, the “price” charged by Company or its Affiliate for any of the Concentrates will be the same as the “price” charged by Company or its Affiliate for such Concentrate, the terms of payment and other terms and conditions of supply will be the same as those applied by Company for such Concentrates, to each other Regional Producing Bottler (other than a Company Owned Manufacturer) in the United States.

 

15.3.

Bottler will purchase from Company only such quantities of the Concentrates as will be necessary and sufficient to carry out Bottler’s obligations under this Agreement. Bottler will use the Concentrates exclusively for its manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages. Bottler will not sell or otherwise transfer any Concentrates or permit the same to get into the hands of third parties.

 

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16.

OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF BOTTLER

 

16.1.

Bottler hereby acknowledges the personal nature of Bottler’s obligations under this Agreement, including with respect to the performance standards applicable to Bottler, the dependence of the Trademarks on proper quality control, and the confidentiality required for protection of Company’s trade secrets and confidential information.

 

16.2.

Bottler represents and warrants to Company that, prior to execution of this Agreement, Bottler has made available to Company a complete and accurate list of Persons that own more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding securities of Bottler, and/or of any third parties having a right to, or effective power of, control or management of Bottler (whether through contract or otherwise).

 

16.3.

Except as otherwise permitted under Bottler’s CBA, Bottler covenants and agrees:

 

  16.3.1.

To inform Company without delay of any changes in the record ownership (or, if known to Bottler, any change in the Beneficial Ownership) of more than ten percent (10%) of the shares of Bottler’s outstanding equity interests in a transaction or series of related transactions, provided, that if Bottler is subject to the disclosure and reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Section 16.3.1 shall not apply;

 

  16.3.2.

To inform Company without delay if a Change of Control occurs with respect to Bottler; and

 

  16.3.3.

Not to change its legal form of organization without first obtaining the written consent of Company, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. It is understood and agreed that Company will not withhold its consent unless the change in legal form could reasonably be expected to affect Bottler’s obligations under this Agreement. For this purpose, (a) the making of an election to be taxed as a Subchapter S corporation for federal income tax purposes, or termination of such an election, and/or (b) reincorporation in another state within the United States of America, will not be considered a change in Bottler’s legal form of organization and will not require Company’s consent.

 

16.4.

Bottler acknowledges that Company has a vested and legitimate interest in maintaining, promoting and safeguarding the overall performance, efficiency and integrity of Company’s bottling, distribution and sales system. Bottler therefore covenants and agrees:

 

  16.4.1.

Except as otherwise permitted by Bottler’s CBA, not to assign, transfer or pledge this Agreement or any interest herein, in whole or in part, whether voluntarily, involuntarily, or by operation of law (including by merger or liquidation), or sublicense its rights under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any third party or parties, without the prior written consent of Company; and

 

  16.4.2.

Not to delegate any material element of Bottler’s performance under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any third party or parties without the prior written consent of Company.

 

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16.5.

Notwithstanding Section 16.4, the following shall be expressly permitted hereunder:

 

  16.5.1.

Bottler may, after Notice to Company, assign, transfer or pledge this Agreement or any interest herein, in whole or in part, or delegate any material element of Bottler’s performance of this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any wholly-owned Affiliate of Bottler; provided that (a) any such Affiliate must agree in writing to be bound by and comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and (b) any such assignment, transfer, pledge or delegation will not relieve Bottler of any of its obligations under this Agreement; and

 

  16.5.2.

Bottler may engage third party contractors and service providers for the purpose of receiving services relating to non-core functions (e.g., back-office administrative services, human resources, payroll, information technology services and similar services); provided that (a) Bottler will retain full responsibility to Company for all of Bottler’s obligations under this Agreement; and (b) Bottler may not subcontract core functions (i.e., manufacturing, market and customer-facing functions) without the prior written consent of Company.

 

16.6.

Any attempt to take any actions prohibited by Sections 16.4 and 16.5 without Company’s prior written consent shall be void and shall be deemed to be a material breach of this Agreement, unless such actions are otherwise permitted under Bottler’s CBA.

 

16.7.

Bottler may not describe Company or Bottler’s relationship with Company in any prospectus, offering materials, or marketing materials used by or on behalf of Bottler in connection with the issue, offer, sale, transfer, or exchange of any ownership interest in Bottler or any bonds, debentures or other evidence of indebtedness of Bottler, unless Bottler provides Company with such description at least five (5) Business Days prior to filing or use. Company must provide any comments within three (3) Business Days following receipt of the materials from Bottler. Except as otherwise provided by this Agreement in connection with a Change of Control or sale of the Business, Company shall not require Bottler to disclose the identity of prospective investors, bondholders or lenders or the terms, rates or conditions of the underlying agreements with such Persons. Bottler will not be required to provide to Company any description that has been previously reviewed by Company.

 

17.

TERM OF AGREEMENT

This Agreement will commence on the Effective Date and continue so long as Bottler’s CBA is in effect (the “Term”).

 

18.

COMMERCIAL IMPRACTICABILITY AND FORCE MAJEURE

 

18.1.

With respect to any one or more Concentrates (the “Affected Products”), as applicable:

 

  18.1.1.

The obligation of Company (including any of its Affiliates) to supply Affected Products to Bottler, and Bottler’s obligation to purchase Affected Products from Company and to manufacture any Authorized Covered Beverages manufactured from such Affected Products, shall be suspended during any period when there occurs a change in applicable laws, regulations or administrative measures (including any government permission or authorization regarding customs, health or manufacturing, and further including the withdrawal of any government authorization required by any of the parties to carry out the terms of this Agreement), or issuance of any judicial decree or order

 

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binding on any of the parties hereto, in each case in such a manner as to render unlawful or commercially impracticable:

 

  18.1.1.1.

The importation or exportation of any essential ingredients of the Affected Products that cannot be produced in quantities sufficient to satisfy the demand therefor by existing Company (including any of its Affiliates) facilities in the United States;

 

  18.1.1.2.

The manufacture and distribution of Affected Products to Bottler; or

 

  18.1.1.3.

Bottler’s manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages using such Affected Products.

 

18.2.

Force Majeure Event” means any strike, blacklisting, boycott or sanctions imposed by a sovereign nation or supra-national organization of sovereign nations, however incurred, or any act of God, act of foreign enemies, embargo, quarantine, riot, insurrection, a declared or undeclared war, state of war or belligerency or hazard or danger incident thereto.

 

18.3.

Neither Company (including any of its Affiliates) nor Bottler shall be liable for or be subject to any claim for breach or termination as the result of a failure to perform their respective obligations to purchase or supply Concentrate under this Agreement or to manufacture Authorized Covered Beverages made from such Concentrate in quantities to satisfy demand of Company and Recipient Bottlers, as applicable, if and to the extent that such failure is caused by or results from a Force Majeure Event; provided, however:

 

  18.3.1.

The party claiming the excuse afforded by this Section 18.3 must use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with any excused obligations under this Agreement that are impaired by such Force Majeure Event; and

 

  18.3.2.

If Bottler is the party claiming the excuse afforded by this Section 18.3:

 

  18.3.2.1.

To the extent that Bottler is unable to remediate the effect on its ability to perform caused by such Force Majeure Event within three (3) months from the date of the occurrence of the Force Majeure Event, then,

 

  18.3.2.1.1.

Company shall have the right (but not the obligation) upon not less than one (1) month prior Notice to suspend this Agreement and Related Agreements during the period of time that such Force Majeure Event results in Bottler being unable to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

 

  18.3.2.2.

To the extent that Bottler is unable to remediate the effect on its ability to perform caused by such Force Majeure Event within two (2) years from the date of occurrence of the Force Majeure Event, Company shall have the right to terminate this Agreement.

 

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19.

TERMINATION FOR DEFINED EVENTS

 

19.1.

Company may, at Company’s option, terminate this Agreement, subject to the requirements of Section 23, if any of the following events occur:

 

  19.1.1.

An order for relief is entered with respect to Bottler under any Chapter of Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended;

 

  19.1.2.

Bottler voluntarily commences any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, or assignment for the benefit of creditors proceeding, case, or suit or consents to such a proceeding, case or suit under the laws of any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States or any country, kingdom or commonwealth or sub-division thereof not governed by the United States;

 

  19.1.3.

A petition, proceeding, case, complaint or suit for bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, or assignment for the benefit of creditors, under the laws of any state, territory or commonwealth of the United States or any country, commonwealth or sub-division thereof or kingdom not governed by the United States, is filed against Bottler, and such a petition, proceeding, suit, complaint or case is not dismissed within sixty (60) days after the commencement or filing of such a petition, proceeding, complaint, case or suit or the order of dismissal is appealed and stayed;

 

  19.1.4.

Bottler makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, deed of trust for the benefit of creditors or makes an arrangement or composition with creditors; a receiver or trustee for Bottler or for any interest in Bottler’s business is appointed and such order or decree appointing the receiver or trustee is not vacated, dismissed or discharged within sixty (60) days after such appointment or such order or decree is appealed and stayed;

 

  19.1.5.

Any of Bottler’s equipment or facilities is subject to attachment, levy or other final process for more than twenty (20) days or any of its equipment or facilities is noticed for judicial or non-judicial foreclosure sale and such attachment, levy, process or sale would materially and adversely affect Bottler’s ability to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement; or

 

  19.1.6.

Bottler becomes insolvent or ceases to conduct its operations relating to the Business in the normal course of business.

 

20.

DEFICIENCY TERMINATION

 

20.1.

Company may also, at Company’s option, terminate this Agreement, subject to the requirements of Section 21 and Section 23, if any of the following events of default occur:

 

  20.1.1.

Bottler fails to make timely payment for Concentrate, or of any other material debt owing to Company;

 

  20.1.2.

The condition of the facilities or equipment used by Bottler in manufacturing the Authorized Covered Beverages, as reflected in any data collected by Company or generated by Bottler, or in any audit or inspection conducted by or on behalf of Company, fails to meet the Technical Requirements reasonably established by Company, and Bottler fails to complete corrective measures approved by Company within the timeframe therefor reasonably established by Company and specified in the applicable Technical Corrective Action Plan;

 

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  20.1.3.

Bottler fails to handle the Concentrates or manufacture or handle the Authorized Covered Beverages in strict conformity with the Technical Requirements and applicable laws, rules and regulations and Bottler fails to complete corrective measures approved by Company within the timeframe therefor reasonably established by Company;

 

  20.1.4.

Bottler or any Affiliate of Bottler engages in any of the activities prohibited under Section 10;

 

  20.1.5.

A Change of Control occurs with respect to Bottler, except as permitted under Bottler’s CBA;

 

  20.1.6.

Any Disposition of any voting securities representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of any Bottler Subsidiary (other than to a wholly-owned Affiliate in connection with an internal corporate reorganization) is made by Bottler or by any Bottler Subsidiary, except as permitted under Bottler’s CBA. “Bottler Subsidiary” means any Person that is Controlled, directly or indirectly, by Bottler, and that is a party, or Controls directly or indirectly a party, to an agreement with Company or any of its Affiliates regarding the manufacturing of Authorized Covered Beverages;

 

  20.1.7.

Bottler breaches in any material respect any of Bottler’s other material obligations under this Agreement;

 

  20.1.8.

Bottler breaches in any material respect any of Bottler’s material obligations under the NPSG Governance Agreement and such breach is not timely cured; or

 

  20.1.9.

Any event of default occurs under Section 22 of Bottler’s CBA that is not timely cured in the manner provided in Bottler’s CBA.

 

20.2.

In any such event of default, Company may either exercise its right to terminate under this Section 20 (subject to Section 21 and Section 23), or pursue any rights and remedies (other than termination) against Bottler with respect to any such event of default; provided, that Company will not take any action pursuant to this Section 20.2 or Section 21.4 that would limit Bottler’s right to cure under Section 21 of this Agreement or Section 23 of Bottler’s CBA.

 

21.

BOTTLER RIGHT TO CURE

 

21.1.

Upon the occurrence of any of the events of default enumerated in Section 20, Company will give Bottler Notice of default.

 

21.2.

In the case of an event of default due to a material breach by Bottler of its obligations under Section 12 (other than Sections 12.2 or 12.4) or Section 13:

 

  21.2.1.

Bottler shall have a period of sixty (60) days from receipt of the Notice of default within which to cure such default, by:

 

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  21.2.1.1.

at the instruction of Company and at Bottler’s expense, promptly withdrawing from the market and destroying any Authorized Covered Beverage that fails to meet the Technical Requirements;

 

  21.2.1.2.

compliance with the “Corrective Action” provision of the Technical Requirements; and

 

  21.2.1.3.

implementing a corrective action plan (the “Technical Corrective Action Plan”), to be negotiated in good faith and agreed to by Company and Bottler, that reasonably meets the applicable requirements of the “Corrective Action” provision of the Technical Requirements (which Technical Corrective Action Plan may, by mutual agreement of the parties, provide for actions to be taken after expiration of the cure periods specified herein).

 

  21.2.2.

If such default has not been cured within such initial sixty (60) day period (or such extended period, if any, provided for under a Technical Corrective Action Plan), then Bottler must cure such default within a second period of sixty (60) days (or such extended period, if any, provided for under a Technical Corrective Action Plan) during which period Company may, by giving Bottler further Notice to such effect, suspend sales to Bottler of Concentrates and require Bottler to cease manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages and the supply and sale of Authorized Covered Beverages by Bottler to Recipient Bottlers; provided, however, that if Bottler has throughout the first and second cure periods strictly complied with Section 13 (Recall) and Section 30 (Incident Management), then such suspension of Concentrate sales and cessation of manufacture and supply shall be limited to the manufacturing facilities in which the default occurred.

 

  21.2.3.

If such default has not been cured during such second period of sixty (60) days (or such extended period, if any, provided for under a Technical Corrective Action Plan), then Company may terminate this Agreement, by giving Bottler Notice to such effect, effective immediately; provided, however, that if Bottler has throughout the first and second cure periods strictly complied with Section 13 (Recall) and Section 30 (Incident Management), then Bottler will have a third period of sixty (60) days (or such extended period, if any, provided for under a Technical Corrective Action Plan) within which to cure the default.

 

  21.2.4.

If such default has not been cured during any such third period of sixty (60) days (or such extended period, if any, provided for under a Technical Corrective Action Plan), then Company may terminate this Agreement, by giving Bottler notice to such effect, effective immediately.

 

21.3.

In the case of an event of default other than those specified in Section 21.2:

 

  21.3.1.

Within sixty (60) days of receipt of such Notice, Bottler will provide Company with a corrective action plan (the “Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan”). The Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan must provide for correction of all issues identified in the Notice of default within one (1) year or less from the date on which the Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan is provided to Company.

 

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  21.3.2.

Company will negotiate in good faith with Bottler the terms of the Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan.

 

  21.3.3.

If Company and Bottler fail to agree on a Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan within sixty (60) days of Bottler’s tender of such plan, Bottler must cure the default described in the Notice of default within one (1) year of Bottler’s receipt of the Notice of default. If Bottler fails to cure the default described in the Notice of default within one (1) year of Bottler’s receipt of the Notice, the default will be deemed not to have been cured.

 

  21.3.4.

If Company and Bottler timely agree on a Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan, but Bottler fails to implement the agreed Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan to Company’s reasonable satisfaction within the time period specified by the Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan, the default will be deemed not to have been cured.

 

  21.3.5.

In the event of an uncured default under this Section 21.3, Company may, by giving Bottler further Notice of termination, terminate this Agreement under Section 20 and require Bottler to cease manufacturing Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

21.4.

The provisions of this Section 21 (including any cure) will not limit Company’s right to pursue remedies under this Agreement on account of Bottler’s default, other than (a) termination of this Agreement under Section 20, (b) cessation of Company’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement, or (c) rescission.

 

21.5.

In the case of a breach by Bottler or one of its Affiliates of its obligations under this Agreement (other than an event of default specified by Section 21.2), such breach will be deemed to be cured for purposes of this Section 21 if Bottler (or its Affiliate) has terminated the acts or omissions described in such Notice of breach, and has taken reasonable steps under the circumstances to prevent the recurrence of such breach.

 

22.

BOTTLER’S RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS WITH RESPECT TO SALE OF ITS BUSINESS

For purposes of clarity, the parties hereby agree that any purchase or sale of the “Business”, as that term is used in Bottler’s CBA, will include Bottler’s aggregate business directly and primarily related to the manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages and other beverage products. [Note to Draft: Bottler’s CBA Schedule 24.1 will include Bottler’s manufacturing business as an “Included Business”.]

 

23.

EFFECT OF THIS AGREEMENT ON BOTTLER’S CBA IN CERTAIN EVENTS

 

23.1.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the parties, if Company terminates this Agreement in accordance with Section 19 or Section 20 hereof, Company will concurrently terminate Bottler’s CBA in accordance with Section 21.1.7 thereof, and the compensation provisions set forth in Section 25 of Bottler’s CBA will govern.

 

23.2.

Upon any termination of Bottler’s CBA by Company, Company will concurrently terminate this Agreement unless otherwise agreed in writing by the parties.

 

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23.3.

If Bottler’s CBA is amended in accordance with Section 24.4.3 thereof, then this Agreement will be deemed automatically amended to revise the text in Section 10.1.3 by deleting it in its entirety and replacing it with the following: “Permitted Beverage Products distributed by Bottler or its Affiliates, subject to the terms and conditions of Bottler’s or Bottler Affiliate’s CBA;”. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, the amendment of Bottler’s CBA in accordance with Section 24.4.3 thereof will not affect any of the other rights or obligations of the parties under this Agreement.

 

24.

POST-EXPIRATION AND POST-TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS

 

24.1.

Upon the termination of this Agreement, except to the extent provided in any other agreement between Bottler and Company (or one of Company’s Affiliates):

 

  24.1.1.

Bottler shall not thereafter continue to manufacture any of the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers or to make any use of the Trademarks or Authorized Containers, or any closures, cases or labels bearing the Trademarks; and

 

  24.1.2.

Bottler shall forthwith deliver all materials used by Bottler exclusively for the manufacturing of the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers, including Concentrates, usable returnable or any nonreturnable containers, cases, closures, and labels bearing the Trademarks, still in Bottler’s possession or under Bottler’s control, to Company or Company’s nominee, as instructed, and, upon receipt, Company shall pay to Bottler a sum equal to the reasonable market value of such supplies or materials; provided, however, that no such payment shall be made in connection with a purchase by Company of Bottler’s Business or production assets in accordance with Section 22. Company will accept and pay for only such articles as are, in the opinion of Company, in first-class and usable condition, and all other such articles shall be destroyed at Bottler’s expense. Containers, closures and all other items bearing the name of Bottler, in addition to the Trademarks, that have not been purchased by Company shall be destroyed without cost to Company, or otherwise disposed of in accordance with instructions given by Company, unless Bottler can remove or obliterate the Trademarks therefrom to the satisfaction of Company. The provisions for repurchase contained this Section 24.1.2 shall apply with regard to any Authorized Container approval of which has been withdrawn by Company under Section 12.10, except under circumstances under which this Agreement is terminated by Company in accordance with Section 20.

 

25.

COMPANY’S RIGHT OF ASSIGNMENT

Company may assign any of its rights and delegate all or any of its duties or obligations under this Agreement to one or more of its Affiliates; provided, however, that any such assignment or delegation will not relieve Company from any of its contractual obligations under this Agreement.

 

26.

LITIGATION

 

26.1.

Company reserves and has the sole and exclusive right and responsibility to institute any civil, administrative or criminal proceedings or actions, and generally to take or seek any available legal remedy it deems desirable, for the protection of its reputation, the Trademarks, and other intellectual property rights, as well as for the Concentrates, and to defend any action affecting these matters.

 

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26.2.

At the request of Company, Bottler will render reasonable assistance in any such action, including, if requested to do so in the sole discretion of Company, allowing Bottler to be named as a party to such action. However, no financial burden will be imposed on Bottler for rendering such assistance.

 

26.3.

Bottler shall not have any claim against Company or its Affiliates as a result of such proceedings or action or for any failure to institute or defend such proceedings or action.

 

26.4.

Bottler must promptly notify Company of any litigation or proceedings instituted or threatened against Bottler affecting these matters.

 

26.5.

Bottler must not institute any legal or administrative proceedings against any third party that may affect the interests of Company in the Trademarks without the prior written consent of Company, which consent Company may grant or withhold in its sole discretion.

 

26.6.

Bottler will consult with Company on all product liability claims, proceedings or actions brought against Bottler in connection with the Authorized Covered Beverages and will take such action with respect to the defense of any such claim or lawsuit as Company may reasonably request in order to protect the interests of Company in the Authorized Covered Beverages or the goodwill associated with the Trademarks.

 

27.

INDEMNIFICATION

 

27.1.

Company will indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless each of Bottler and its Affiliates, and their respective directors, officers, employees, shareholders, owners and agents, from and against all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, injuries, demands, actions, causes of action, suits, proceedings, judgments and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs and other legal expenses (collectively, “Losses”), to the extent arising from, connected with or attributable to: (a) Company’s manufacture of the Concentrates (except to the extent arising from matters for which Bottler is responsible under Section 13.5 or Section 27.2); (b) the breach by Company of any provision this Agreement; (c) Bottler’s use, in accordance with this Agreement and Company guidelines respecting use of Company intellectual property, of the Trademarks or of package labels; or (d) the inaccuracy of any warranty or representation made by Company herein or in connection herewith. None of the above indemnities shall require Company to indemnify, protect, defend or hold harmless any indemnitee with respect to any claim to the extent such claim arises from, is connected with or is attributable to the negligence or willful misconduct of such indemnitee.

 

27.2.

Bottler will indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless each of Company and its Affiliates, and their respective directors, officers, employees, shareholders, owners and agents, from and against all Losses to the extent arising from, connected with or attributable to: (a) Bottler’s manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages (except to the extent arising from matters for which Company is responsible under Section 13.4 or Section 27.1); (b) the breach by Bottler of any provision of this Agreement; or (c) the inaccuracy of any warranty or representation made by Bottler herein or in connection herewith. None of the above indemnities shall require Bottler to indemnify, protect, defend or hold harmless any indemnitee with respect to any claim to the extent such claim arises from, is connected with or is attributable to the negligence or willful misconduct of such indemnitee.

 

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27.3.

Neither party will be obligated under this Section 27 to indemnify the other party for Losses consisting of lost profits or revenues, loss of use, or similar economic loss, or for any indirect, special, incidental, consequential or similar damages (“Consequential Damages”) arising out of or in connection with the performance or non-performance of this Agreement (except to the extent that an indemnified third party claim asserted against a party includes Consequential Damages).

 

28.

BOTTLER’S INSURANCE

Bottler will obtain and maintain a policy of insurance with insurance carriers in such amounts and against such risks as would be maintained by a similarly situated company of a similar size and giving full and comprehensive coverage both as to amount and risks covered in respect of matters referred to in Section 27 (including Bottler’s indemnity of Company contained therein) and will on request produce evidence satisfactory to Company of the existence of such insurance. Compliance with this Section 28 will not limit or relieve Bottler from its obligations under Section 27. In addition, Bottler will satisfy the insurance requirements specified on Schedule 28.

 

29.

LIMITATION ON BOTTLER REPRESENTATIONS OR DISCLOSURES REGARDING AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES

Bottler covenants and agrees that, except as required by law, it will make no representations or disclosures to the public or any Governmental Authority or to any third party concerning the attributes of the Authorized Covered Beverages (other than statements consistent with representations or disclosures previously made or authorized by Company), without the prior written consent of Company. If Bottler is required to make any such representations or disclosures to a Governmental Authority, Bottler first will notify Company before making any such representation or disclosure and will cooperate with Company in good faith to ensure the accuracy of all such information (except to the extent that such Notice and cooperation would otherwise be prohibited under applicable law). This Section 29 will not apply to financial information disclosed in accordance with applicable securities laws.

 

30.

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

 

30.1.

Company and Bottler recognize that incidents may arise that can threaten the reputation and business of Bottler and/or negatively affect the good name, reputation and image of Company and the Trademarks.

 

30.2.

In order to address such incidents, including any questions of quality of the Authorized Covered Beverages that may occur, Bottler will designate and organize an incident management team and inform Company of the members of such team.

 

30.3.

Bottler further agrees to cooperate fully with Company and such third parties as Company may designate and coordinate all efforts to address and resolve any such incident consistent with procedures for crisis management that may be issued to Bottler by Company from time to time.

 

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31.

SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Agreement is or becomes legally ineffective or invalid, the validity or effect of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected; provided that the invalidity or ineffectiveness of such provision shall not prevent or unduly hamper performance hereunder or prejudice the ownership or validity of the Trademarks.

 

32.

REPLACEMENT OF CERTAIN PRIOR CONTRACTS, MERGER, AND REQUIREMENTS FOR MODIFICATION

 

32.1.

As to all matters and things herein mentioned, the parties agree:

 

  32.1.1.

Subject to Section 32.1.4, upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement and Bottler’s CBA, the existing bottle contracts under which Company (or its Affiliate) has previously authorized Bottler (or one or more of its Affiliates) to manufacture in certain authorized containers, and/or market, promote, distribute and sell, Coca-Cola and other beverages marketed under Company’s trademarks, including those contracts identified on Exhibit D of Bottler’s CBA (other those contracts set forth on Schedule 32.1.4), are amended, restated and superseded in their entirety by this Agreement and Bottler’s CBA, and all rights, duties and obligations of Company and Bottler regarding the Trademarks and the manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages will be determined under this Agreement and Bottler’s CBA, without regard to the terms of any prior agreement and without regard to any prior course of conduct between the parties (the parties acknowledge that any existing bottle contract authorizing Bottler to produce Coca-Cola and other beverages marketed under Company’s trademarks between Company and Bottler that is not listed on Exhibit D of Bottler’s CBA is nevertheless amended, restated and superseded hereby, except as otherwise provided in Section 32.1.4);

 

  32.1.2.

This Agreement, together with the National Product Supply System Governance Agreement and the documents implementing and governing the NPSG and the NPSG Board set forth the entire agreement between Company and Bottler with respect to the subject matter hereof, and all prior understandings, commitments or agreements relating to such matters between the parties or their predecessors-in-interest are of no force or effect and are cancelled hereby; provided, however, that any written representations made by either party upon which the other party relied in entering into this Agreement will remain binding to the extent identified on Schedule 32.1.2;

 

  32.1.3.

Any waiver, amendment or modification of this Agreement or any of its provisions, and any consents given under this Agreement will not be binding upon Bottler or Company unless made in writing, signed by an officer or other duly qualified and authorized representative of Company or by a duly qualified and authorized representative of Bottler; and

 

  32.1.4.

Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, this Section 32.1 is not intended to affect in any way the rights and obligations of Bottler (or any of its Affiliates) or Company (or any of its Affiliates) under Bottler’s CBA or the agreements listed in Schedule 32.1.4.

 

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33.

NO WAIVER

 

 

Failure of Company or Bottler (including any of their respective Affiliates) to exercise promptly any right herein granted, or to require strict performance of any obligation undertaken herein by the other party, will not be deemed to be a waiver of such right or of the right to demand subsequent performance of any and all obligations herein undertaken by Bottler or by Company.

 

34.

NATURE OF AGREEMENT AND RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES

 

34.1.

Bottler is an independent contractor and is not an agent of, or a partner or joint venturer with, Company.

 

34.2.

Each of Company and Bottler agree that it will neither represent, nor allow itself to be held out as an agent of, or partner or joint venturer with the other (including any of its Affiliates).

 

34.3.

Bottler and Company do not intend to create, and this Agreement will not be construed to create, a partnership, joint venture, agency, or any form of fiduciary relationship. Each party covenants and agrees never to assert that a partnership, joint venture or fiduciary relationship exists or has been created under or in connection with this Agreement and the Related Agreements. There is no partnership, joint venture, agency, or any form of fiduciary relationship existing between Bottler and Company, but if it there is determined or found to be a partnership, joint venture, or agency, then Bottler and Company expressly disclaim all fiduciary duties that might otherwise exist under applicable law.

 

34.4.

Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended or will be construed to give any Person, other than the parties to this Agreement and their successors and permitted assigns, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of any agreement or any provision contained in this Agreement. This Agreement does not, and is not intended to, confer any rights or remedies upon any Person other than Bottler and Company.

 

35.

HEADINGS AND OTHER MATTERS

 

35.1.

The headings herein are solely for the convenience of the parties and will not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

 

35.2.

As used in this Agreement, the phrase “including” means “including, without limitation” in each instance.

 

35.3.

References in this Agreement to Sections are to the respective Sections of this Agreement, and references to Exhibits and Schedules are to the respective Exhibits and Schedules of this Agreement as they may be amended from time to time.

 

36.

EXECUTION IN MULTIPLE COUNTERPARTS

The parties may execute this Agreement in counterparts, each of which is deemed an original and all of which only constitute one original.

 

37.

NOTICE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

 

37.1.

Notices.

 

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  37.1.1.

Requirement of a Writing and Permitted Methods of Delivery. Each party giving or making any notice, request, demand or other communication (each, a “Notice”) pursuant to this Agreement must give the Notice in writing and use one of the following methods of delivery, each of which for purposes of this Agreement is a writing:

 

  37.1.1.1.

personal delivery;

 

  37.1.1.2.

Registered or Certified Mail, in each case, return receipt requested and postage prepaid;

 

  37.1.1.3.

nationally recognized overnight courier, with all fees prepaid;

 

  37.1.1.4.

facsimile; or

 

  37.1.1.5.

e-mail (followed by delivery of an original by another delivery method provided for in this Section).

 

  37.1.2.

Addressees and Addresses. Each party giving a Notice must address the Notice to the appropriate person at the receiving party (the “Addressee”) at the address listed below or to another Addressee or at another address designated by a party in a Notice pursuant to this Section.

 

Company:

  

 

  
  

 

  
  

 

  
  

Attention:

  
  

Facsimile:

  
  

E-mail:

  

With a copy to:

  

 

  
  

 

  
  

 

  
  

Attention: General Counsel

  
  

Facsimile:

  
  

E-mail:

  

 

-27-


Bottler:

  

 

  
  

 

  
  

 

  
  

Attention:

  
  

Facsimile:

  
  

E-mail:

  

With a copy to:

  

 

  
  

 

  
  

 

  
  

Attention:

  
  

Facsimile:

  
  

E-mail:

  

 

  37.1.3.

Effectiveness of a Notice. Except as specifically provided elsewhere in this Agreement, a Notice is effective only if the party giving or making the Notice has complied with Sections 37.1.1 and 37.1.2 and if the Addressee has received the Notice. A Notice is deemed to have been received as follows:

 

  37.1.3.1.

If a Notice is delivered in person, when delivered to the Addressee.

 

  37.1.3.2.

If delivered by Registered or Certified Mail, upon receipt by Addressee, as indicated by the date on the signed receipt.

 

  37.1.3.3.

If delivered by nationally recognized overnight courier service, one Business Day after deposit with such courier service.

 

  37.1.3.4.

If sent by e-mail, when sent (if followed promptly by delivery of an original by another delivery method provided for in this Section).

 

  37.1.3.5.

If the Addressee rejects or otherwise refuses to accept the Notice, or if the Notice cannot be delivered because of a change in address for which no Notice was given, then upon the rejection, refusal or inability to deliver.

 

  37.1.3.6.

Despite the other clauses of this Section 37.1.3, if any Notice is received after 5:00 p.m. on a Business Day where the Addressee is located, or on a day that is not a Business Day where the Addressee is located, then the Notice is deemed received at 9:00 a.m. on the next Business Day where the Addressee is located.

 

37.2.

If Bottler’s signature or acknowledgment is required or requested with respect to any document in connection with this Agreement and any employee or representative authorized by Bottler “clicks” in the appropriate space on the website designated by Company or takes such other

 

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action as may be indicated by Company, Bottler shall be deemed to have signed or acknowledged the document to the same extent and with the same effect as if Bottler had signed the document manually; provided, however, that no such signature or acknowledgment shall amend or vary the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

37.3.

Bottler acknowledges and agrees that Bottler has the ability and knowledge to print information delivered to Bottler electronically, or otherwise knows how to store that information in a way that ensures that it remains accessible to Bottler in an unchanged form.

 

38.

CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE

 

38.1.

This Agreement shall be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, United States of America, without giving effect to any applicable principles of choice or conflict of laws, as to contract formation, construction and interpretation issues, and the federal trademark laws of the United States of America as to trademark matters.

 

38.2.

The parties agree that any lawsuit commenced in connection with, or in relation to, this Agreement must be brought in a United States District Court, if there is any basis for federal court jurisdiction. If the party bringing such action reasonably concludes that federal court jurisdiction does not exist, then the party may commence such action in any court of competent jurisdiction.

 

39.

CONFIDENTIALITY

 

39.1.

In the performance of this Agreement, each party may disclose to the other party certain Proprietary Information. The Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party will remain the sole and exclusive property of the Disclosing Party or a third party providing such information to the Disclosing Party. The disclosure of the Proprietary Information to the Receiving Party does not confer upon the Receiving Party any license, interest, or right of any kind in or to the Proprietary Information, except as expressly provided under this Agreement.

 

39.2.

At all times and notwithstanding any termination or expiration of this Agreement or any amendment hereto, the Receiving Party agrees that it will hold in strict confidence and not disclose to any third party the Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party, except as approved in writing by the Disclosing Party. The Receiving Party will only permit access to the Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party to those of its or its Affiliates’ employees or authorized representatives having a need to know and who have signed confidentiality agreements or are otherwise bound by confidentiality obligations at least as restrictive as those contained in this Agreement (including external auditors, attorneys and consultants).

 

39.3.

The Receiving Party will be responsible to the Disclosing Party for any third party’s use and disclosure of the Proprietary Information that the Receiving Party provides to such third party in accordance with this Agreement. The Receiving Party will use at least the same degree of care it would use to protect its own Proprietary Information of like importance, but in any case with no less than a reasonable degree of care, including maintaining information security standards specific to such information as set forth in this Agreement.

 

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39.4.

If the Receiving Party is required by a Governmental Authority or applicable law to disclose any of the Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party, the Receiving Party will (a) first give Notice of such required disclosure to the Disclosing Party (to the extent permitted by applicable law), (b) if requested by the Disclosing Party, use reasonable efforts to obtain a protective order requiring that the Proprietary Information to be disclosed be used only for the purposes for which disclosure is required, (c) if requested by the Disclosing Party, take reasonable steps to allow the Disclosing Party to seek to protect the confidentiality of the Proprietary Information required to be disclosed, and (d) disclose only that part of the Proprietary Information that, after consultation with its legal counsel, it determines that it is required to disclose.

 

39.5.

Each party will immediately notify the other party in writing upon discovery of any loss or unauthorized use or disclosure of the Proprietary Information of the other party.

 

39.6.

The Receiving Party will not reproduce the Disclosing Party’s Proprietary Information in any form except as required to accomplish the intent of this Agreement. Any reproduction of any Proprietary Information by the Receiving Party will remain the property of the Disclosing Party and must contain any and all confidential or proprietary Notices or legends that appear on the original, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Disclosing Party.

 

39.7.

Neither party will communicate any information to the other party in violation of the proprietary rights of any third party.

 

39.8.

Upon the earlier of termination of this Agreement, written request of the Disclosing Party, or when no longer needed by the Receiving Party for fulfillment of its obligations under this Agreement, the Receiving Party will, if requested by the Disclosing Party, either: (a) promptly return to the Disclosing Party all documents and other tangible materials representing the Disclosing Party’s Proprietary Information, and all copies thereof in its possession or control, if any; or (b) destroy all tangible copies of the Disclosing Party’s Proprietary Information in its possession or control, if any, in each case, except to the extent that such action would violate applicable regulatory or legal requirements. Each party’s counsel may retain one copy of documents and communications between the Parties as necessary for archival purposes or regulatory purposes.

 

40.

ACTIVE AND COMPLETE ARMS LENGTH NEGOTIATIONS

The parties acknowledge and agree that the terms and conditions of this Agreement have been the subject of active and complete negotiations, and that such terms and conditions must not be construed in favor of or against any party by reason of the extent to which a party or its professional advisors may have participated in the preparation of this Agreement.

 

41.

RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

Company reserves all rights not expressly granted to Bottler under this Agreement or Bottler’s CBA.

 

42.

BOTTLER AFFILIATES

Bottler hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees that any actions taken by any of Bottler’s Affiliates pursuant to this Agreement will be taken in accordance with all applicable requirements set forth herein to the same extent as if such actions had been taken by Bottler. Bottler acknowledges and agrees that any breach of this Agreement by any Affiliate of Bottler shall be considered a breach by Bottler for all purposes hereof.

[Signature page(s) follow]

 

-30-


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, COMPANY AT ATLANTA, GEORGIA, AND BOTTLER AT                          HAVE CAUSED THESE PRESENTS TO BE EXECUTED IN TRIPLICATE BY THE DULY AUTHORIZED PERSON OR PERSONS ON THEIR BEHALF ON THE DATES INDICATED BELOW.

 

THE COCA-COLA COMPANY

By:

   

Authorized Representative

Date:

   

[BOTTLER]

By:

   

Authorized Representative

Date:

   


EXHIBIT A

Regional Manufacturing Facilities


EXHIBIT B

Authorized Covered Beverages

[Subject to further discussion. To be agreed by the parties prior to Closing]

The following Beverages and all SKUs, packages, flavor, calorie and other variations (e.g., Sprite Cranberry, Sprite Zero Cranberry) of each such Beverage offered by Company that are identified by the primary Trademark that also identifies such Beverage or any modification of such primary Trademark, such as, e.g., the primary Trademark used in conjunction with a prefix, a suffix or other modifier:

Coca-Cola

Caffeine Free Coca-Cola

Diet Coke

Diet Coke with Lime

Diet Coke with Splenda®

caffeine free Diet Coke

Coca-Cola Life

Coca-Cola Zero

caffeine free Coca-Cola Zero

Cherry Coke

Diet Cherry Coke

Cherry Coke Zero

Vanilla Coke

Diet Vanilla Coke

Vanilla Coke Zero

Barq’s

Diet Barq’s

DASANI

DASANI Plus

DASANI Sparkling

Fanta

Fanta Zero

Fresca

Mello Yello

Mello Yello Zero

PiBB Xtra


PiBB Zero

Seagram’s ginger ale

Seagram’s mixers

Seagram’s seltzer water

Sprite

Sprite Zero

TaB

VAULT

VAULT Zero

Delaware Punch

FUZE

FUZE iced tea

FUZE Juices

FUZE Refreshments

FUZE slenderize


[EXHIBIT C]

[Finished Goods Supply Agreements]


Schedule 2.17

Related Agreements

[To be completed prior to execution of this Agreement.]


Schedule 2.18

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

 

 

[***]

 

[***]

 

[***]

 

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.


[***]

[***]

[***]

 

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.


Schedule 10.1.5

Third Party Beverages

 

A.

As of the Effective Date:

[To be completed prior to execution of this Agreement.]

 

B.

Added After the Effective Date:


Schedule 12.2

Technical Requirements

All of Company’s product, package and equipment quality; food safety; workplace safety; and environmental sustainability specifications, standards, instructions and requirements published by Company in the Beverage Products and Environmental Sustainability sections of the Coca-Cola Operating Requirements (KORE) website documents library, as updated by Company from time to time following discussion with the NPSG and Notice to each Regional Producing Bottler (including any Company Owned Manufacturers).


Schedule 28

Insurance Requirements


Schedule 32.1.2

Agreements not affected by this Agreement


Schedule 10.1.5

Third Party Beverages

A.     As of the Effective Date:

None.

B.     Added After the Effective Date:


Schedule 12.2

Technical Requirements

All of Company’s product, package and equipment quality; food safety; workplace safety; and environmental sustainability specifications, standards, instructions and requirements published by Company in the Beverage Products and Environmental Sustainability sections of the Coca-Cola Operating Requirements (KORE) website documents library, as updated by Company from time to time following discussion with the NPSG and Notice to each Regional Producing Bottler (including any Company Owned Manufacturers).


Schedule 28

Insurance Requirements

Bottler will, at its own cost and expense, acquire and maintain during the Term, with carriers having an AM Best Rating of A-VII or better, sufficient insurance to adequately protect the respective interests of the parties. Specifically, Bottler must carry the following minimum types and amounts of insurance (the “Required Policies”) on an occurrence basis or in the case of coverage that cannot be obtained on an occurrence basis, then, coverage can be obtained on a claims-made basis with a three (3) year tail following the termination or expiration of this Agreement:

 

  a)

Commercial General Liability including, but not limited to, premises-operations, broad form property damage, products /completed operations, contractual liability, independent contractors, personal injury and advertising injury and liability assumed under an insured contract with limits of at least $25,000,000 per occurrence and $25,000,000 general aggregate and $25,000,000 Products / Completed Operations Aggregate;

 

  b)

Statutory Workers’ Compensation Insurance and Employer’s Liability Insurance in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 each employee by accident, $1,000,000 each employee by disease and $1,000,000 aggregate by disease with benefits afforded under the laws of the state or country in which the services are to be performed. Policy will include an alternate employer endorsement providing coverage in the event any employee of Bottler sustains a compensable accidental injury while on work assignment with Company. Insurer for Bottler will be responsible for the Workers’ Compensation benefits due such injured employee;

 

  c)

Commercial Automobile Liability for any owned, non-owned, hired, or borrowed automobile used in the performance of Bottler’s obligations under this Agreement is required in the minimum amount of $25,000,000 combined single limit. If Bottler is driving a vehicle owned by Company in connection with the performance of its obligations under this Agreement, then Bottler will be responsible for the cost of repairing any physical damage to the vehicle resulting from Bottler’s use of the vehicle. If the vehicle cannot be repaired, then Bottler will be responsible for replacing Company’s vehicle;

Bottler will notify Company in writing within sixty (60) days of any cancellation, non-renewal, termination, material change or reduction in coverage.

Bottler’s insurance as outlined above shall be primary and non-contributory coverage.

The coverage territory for the stipulated insurance shall be The United States of America.

Bottler will cause their insurance companies to waive their right of recovery against Company under the Required Policies.

Bottler will be solely responsible for any deductible or self-insured retention.

The above insurance limits may be achieved by a combination of primary and umbrella/excess policies.


The Coca-Cola Company, its subsidiaries, affiliates, authorized bottlers, directors, officers, employees, partners, customers and agents shall be included as an “Additional Insured” on Bottler’s Commercial General Liability and Commercial Auto Liability policies listed above and shall be evidenced on the certificate of insurance. Prior to the execution of this Agreement and annually upon the anniversary date(s) of the insurance policy’s renewal date(s), Bottler will furnish Company with a properly executed Certificate of Insurance clearly evidencing compliance with the insurance requirements set forth above. The certificate of insurance should be sent to: The Coca-Cola Company, attn.: General Counsel – Bottler Contracts, 1 Coca-Cola Plaza, Atlanta GA 30313.

The stipulated limits of coverage above shall not be construed as a limitation of any potential liability to Company, and failure to request evidence of this insurance shall not be construed as a waiver of Bottler’s obligation to provide the insurance coverage specified.


Schedule 32.1.2

Agreements not affected by this Agreement

Exhibit D of Bottler’s CBA is incorporated herein by reference.

EX-10.2

Exhibit 10.2

CERTAIN CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT, MARKED BY BRACKETED ASTERISKS, HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO RULE 24B-2 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED.

 

LOGO

COCA-COLA PLAZA

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

 

J. ALEXANDER M. DOUGLAS, JR.

PRESIDENT

COCA-COLA NORTH AMERICA

   

P. O. BOX 1734

ATLANTA, GA 30301

            

 

404 676-4421

FAX 404-598-4421

April 29, 2016

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated

4100 Coca-Cola Plaza

Charlotte, NC 28211

Attention:    Jamie Harris

   Executive Vice President, Business Transformation

Re: CCNA Exchange for Regional Producing Bottlers

Dear Jamie:

In connection with the manufacturing facility transaction contemplated by that certain Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 30, 2015, between Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated (together with its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, “Bottler”) and Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc. (“CCR”) (the “Transaction”), The Coca-Cola Company (“Company”) and Bottler agree as follows:

 

  1.

As used herein “RMA” means each Initial Regional Manufacturing Agreement executed in connection with the Transaction and each Initial Regional Manufacturing Agreement and Regional Manufacturing Agreement entered into between the parties or their affiliates on or after the date of this Letter Agreement, as any of such agreements may be amended or restated from time to time. This Letter Agreement will apply to each RMA or amended RMA entered into by Bottler and Company, including those entered into prior to the date of this Letter Agreement. Capitalized terms used, but not defined, in this Letter Agreement have the meaning specified in the RMA, unless otherwise noted.

 

  2.

To support and enable [***], and to strengthen the competitiveness of the Coca-Cola finished goods production system, Company, acting by and through its Coca-Cola North America division (“CCNA”), will, on or before January 1, 2017, unilaterally establish and operate an exchange process (“CCNA Exchange”) that will provide [***] for each SKU (as defined in Bottler’s Comprehensive Beverage Agreement(s)) of Authorized Covered Beverages sold [***] in accordance with the RMA.

 

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.


  3.

Among other things, in establishing and operating the CCNA Exchange, CCNA will:

 

  a.

Develop and unilaterally establish [***] for each SKU of Authorized Covered Beverages sold [***], as provided in the RMA;

 

  b.

Develop and unilaterally establish [***] for each SKU of Authorized Covered Beverages as provided in the RMA;

 

  c.

Obtain from the NPSG, [***];

 

  d.

For calendar year 2016, calculate (i) the net revenue received by Bottler on sales of Authorized Covered Beverages to U.S. Coca-Cola Bottlers as provided in Initial Regional Manufacturing Agreement Section 4.1.1 and (ii) the aggregate amount of [***]. If the amount calculated under Section 3(d)(i) hereof is less than the amount calculated under Section 3(d)(ii) hereof, Company will through the CCNA Exchange, reimburse Bottler for the difference within a reasonable period of time following the end of calendar year 2016. If the amount calculated under Section 3(d)(i) hereof is greater than the amount calculated under Section 3(d)(ii) hereof, Bottler will, through the CCNA Exchange, reimburse Company for the difference within a reasonable period of time following the end of calendar year 2016.

 

  e.

For calendar year 2017, calculate (i) the net revenue received by Bottler on sales of Authorized Covered Beverages to other RPBs as provided in Initial Regional Manufacturing Agreement Section 4.1.2.1, and to EPBs and PBs as provided in Initial Regional Manufacturing Agreement Section 4.1.3.1 and (ii) the aggregate amount of [***]. If the amount calculated under Section 3(e)(i) hereof is less than the amount calculated under Section 3(e)(ii) hereof, Company will, through the CCNA Exchange, reimburse Bottler for the difference within a reasonable period of time following the end of calendar year 2017. If the amount calculated under Section 3(e)(i) hereof is greater than the amount calculated under Section 3(e)(ii) hereof, will, through the CCNA Exchange, reimburse Company for the difference within a reasonable period of time following the end of calendar year 2017.

 

  f.

Beginning January 1, 2018, (i) calculate the sum of [***]; and (ii) for each SKU of Authorized Covered Beverages sold by Bottler to EPBs and PBs, calculate [***].

 

  i.

For each SKU where the sum of [***] is greater than [***] charged by Bottler to EPBs and PBs in accordance with the RMA, CCNA will, through the CCNA Exchange, reimburse Bottler for the difference within a reasonable period of time; and

 

  ii.

For each SKU where the sum of [***] is less than [***] charged by Bottler to EPBs and PBs in accordance with the RMA, Bottler will reimburse CCNA, through the CCNA Exchange, for the difference within a reasonable period of time.

 

2

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.


  4.

Upon Company’s request, Bottler will provide to Company such information necessary to allow Company and Bottler to perform the actions described in this Letter Agreement. Company will hold such Financial Information in accordance with the confidentiality provisions of RMA Section 39 and will not use such information for any purpose other than to perform the actions described in this Letter Agreement.

 

  5.

Company and Bottler acknowledge that further refinements to the CCNA Exchange may be needed to support and enable [***] and to strengthen the competitiveness of the Coca-Cola finished goods production system. Company and Bottler anticipate that any such refinements would be made as soon as reasonably practicable, and that the form of Regional Manufacturing Agreement attached as Schedule 9.4 of each Initial Regional Manufacturing Agreement executed by Bottler would thereafter be modified to include Sections 2 through 4 of this Letter Agreement, as modified or supplemented to reflect any mutually agreed refinements to the description of the CCNA Exchange.

Company and Bottler expressly reserve and do not waive hereunder any and all rights under the RMA or any other agreement. Company and Bottler agree that the contents of this Letter Agreement are confidential and that none of the parties may discuss or disclose any of the provisions herein without the express written permission of the other parties, except (i) as required under applicable securities laws, legal process or other laws, (ii) that each party may disclose the contents of this Letter Agreement to those of its directors, officers, employees, lenders, potential financing sources and representatives of its legal, accounting and financial advisors (the persons to whom such disclosure is permissible being collectively referred to herein as “Representatives”) who have a need to know such information as long as such Representatives are informed of the confidential and proprietary nature of the information. The parties agree that the merger, integration and similar provisions in each RMA stating that such RMA encompasses all agreements between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements will not have any effect on the validity and continuance of the provisions of this Letter Agreement, and Company and Bottler agree never to assert that this Letter Agreement has been superseded by a merger, integration or similar provision of any RMA unless the parties specifically state in such RMA that they intend to modify or supersede this Letter Agreement by making specific reference to this Letter Agreement.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank; signature page follows]

 

3

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.


Sincerely,

/s/ J.A.M. Douglas, Jr.

J. A. M. Douglas, Jr.
President, Coca-Cola North America

 

Accepted and Agreed to:   
COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED   
By:  

/s/ James E. Harris

  
Name:   James E. Harris   
Title:   Executive Vice President, Business Transformation