Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company S.A. (Coca-Cola HBC) announces its intention to acquire jointly with The Coca?Cola Company, the majority of shares in Romania's premier naturally sparkling natural mineral water company, Dorna Apemin S.A.

The purchase agreement represents 94.5 per cent of the shares in Dorna Apemin S.A. and comprises all brands and products, including White Spring (still), Poiana Negri (sparkling) and Dorna, (naturally sparkling) mineral waters.

The acquisition of Dorna is intended to broaden the non-alcoholic beverage range of The Coca?Cola Company and Coca?Cola HBC.

Following the acquisition, Coca?Cola HBC and The Coca?Cola Company plan to expand sales of Dorna in Romania and explore opportunities abroad. This growth will be supported through the marketing, distribution and sales organisation of the Coca?Cola system.

Dorna Apemin, which has been operating since 1995 holds almost 13% of the mineral water segment in Romania with total sales of approximately 90 million litres.

Completion of the transaction is subject to approval from the relevant competition authorities.

Jean Valvis, Chairman and CEO of Dorna Apemin S.A., comments:

?I believe Dorna to be the best naturally sparkling, natural mineral water in the world. I am proud to have created and established the brand and honoured to work within the Coca?Cola system to continue to lead its growth and development. Today's consumer deserves to have access to the extraordinary good taste of Dorna and to benefit from the well-being that this rare spring offers.

Irial Finan, Managing Director of Coca-Cola HBC, adds:

?It is a rare opportunity to welcome a naturally sparkling, natural mineral water of such quality to our product range. With the expertise and knowledge of the Dorna team, led by Jean Valvis, we are confident that we will accelerate the growth of this world class product."