Case $4\mathrm{.}2$ Coke Under Fire

Coca$-$Cola may be one of the world's most recognized brands, but the company's relationships with governments across the world have often been contentious.

For over two years, Coca$-$Cola struggled to acquire the soda brands of Cadbury Schweppes, which included Dr Pepper and $7-$Up$.$ The proposed purchase originally encompassed all of Cadbury Schweppes's international markets except those in the United States, France, and South Africa. A successful purchase would increase Coca$-$Cola's market share in soda in over $150$ countries. For example, Coca$-$Cola's share in Canada was expected to rise from $39\mathrm{.}4$ to $49\mathrm{.}1$ percent. In Mexico, its share would rise from $68\mathrm{.}4$ to $72\mathrm{.}6$ percent.

Not everyone was pleased with the proposed purchase. Pepsi, Coke's major rival, sent letters to legislators in Canada asking the Canadian government to disallow the