17 January 2002 - Cadbury Schweppes plc confirms that it is in discussions with the Tahincioglu family in Turkey regarding a possible equity interest in Kent, the leading sugar confectionery manufacturer in Turkey, together with Birlik its distribution arm.
These discussions may or may not lead to an eventual agreement.
Cadbury Schweppes
With origins stretching back over 200 years, today Cadbury Schweppes is an international beverage and confectionery company offering consumers brands such as Cadbury, Schweppes, Dr Pepper, 7 Up, Snapple, Trebor and Bassett in almost 200 countries around the world. Employing over 36,000 people, Cadbury Schweppes is the world's third largest soft drinks company and the fourth largest confectionery company.
Kent
Kent, based just outside Istanbul, is Turkey's leading sugar confectionery manufacturer with estimated sales of US$ 110 million and estimated volume of 27.1 million tonnes in 2001. Well-known brands include Olips, Jellibon, Elegan, Missbon, Tofita, Topi Top and Bonibon. Kent also has the second position in the gum market with brands such as Relax, Olite and Nazar.