Coca-Cola Bolsters Overseas Business

Coca-Cola Co. said Friday it will raise three international divisions to the same corporate status as its flagship North American unit, bolstering the overseas business that provides about 80 percent of its operating profit.

The Atlanta-based maker of Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite said that as of Feb. 1 it will have six business divisions.

The move comes as Coke’s international growth has slipped, though its pace still outstrips domestic gains. Coke recently projected international shipments would increase 8 percent to 9 percent in 1995 while its domestic business would rise 6.3 percent.

The North America Group, Coca-Cola Foods, and Greater Europe will continue reporting to Coke President and Chief Operating Officer M. Douglas Ivester. Now they will be joined by three elevated groups - Latin America, Africa, and Middle and Far East - which have been reporting to Executive Vice President John Hunter, who will step down Feb. 29 at age 58.