How brands and competition interact in China
30 March 2009
Peter Ollier, Hong Kong
Although market impact was the official reason given, the decision by China’s Ministry of Commerce to block Coca-Cola from buying Chinese soft drinks maker Huiyan highlights the difficulty of trying to buy well-known Chinese trade marks, according to participants at a seminar today
On September 3 2008, the Coca Cola Company and Huiyuan announced Coca Cola's intention to acquire Huiyuan, a Hong Kong listed, China-based producer of fruit juices for $2.4 billion.
The proposal came under the merger control review of China’s Anti-Monopoly Law and was sent to the Ministry of Commerce (Mofcom) for review. On March 18 Mofcom published its decision blocking the merger on competition grounds.
“What’s interesting here from a brand perspective is that this type of acquisition has to go to central government if it concerns a well-known trade mark or a...
Only subscribers have complete access to Managing IP Magazine,
log in or
subscribe now.
Alternatively take a
free trial, giving you 48-hour access to Managing IP Magazine (some articles and surveys may be excluded).
Subscribe Now
This article is available to subscribers. Please click subscribe to read the rest of the article.
Subscribe
Take a free trial
Please take a free 48-hour trial to gain limited access. Some articles and surveys may be excluded.
Take a free trial