Coca-Cola seeks more acquisitions to grow business

Sales of established soft drinks are declining in the United States as people opt for the likes of bottled water and tea, which they see as healthier.The soft
drinks market was growing faster than most other categories of
consumer products such as cosmetics, toiletries and beers."You
will see us grow organically as well as through targeted
acquisitions," said Coca-Cola Chief Operating Officer Muhtar
Kent, who is due to become chief executive officer on July 1. Coke's
long-term targets is increasing annual sales volume by 3 to 4
percent, operating income by 6 to 8 percent and earnings-per-share by
a high single-digit percentage rate.

Coca-Cola has benefited from its recent acquisition of FUZE teas and
Glaceau vitaminwater, which have helped boost the company's sales.
The Atlanta-based company, which gets 78 percent of its sales abroad,
also bought Russian juice maker Multon in 2005 for $500 million.

Coke's international business,
especially in places like China, India, Brazil and Turkey, has grown
more important to investors in recent years as growth slows in mature
markets like North America.