The European Commission is open to a settlement with Coca-Cola in a long-running antitrust dispute but legal action remains an option if no deal is possible, a Commission spokesman said today.
Commission Spokesman Mr Tilman Lueder said the Commission wants to change the way Coke does business, amid concerns that the soft-drink maker may be using its power in the market to gain space on store shelves for its products.
"Our double-track approach indeed would entail that on one hand we are trying to reach a settlement, which is quick and which will introduce competition on the supermarket shelves," Lueder told a daily news briefing.
"But on the other hand, if that is not possible we have the legal remedy at our disposal," he told the European executive's daily briefing in response to a question.
A spokesman for the company's European operation confirmed that discussions with the Commission were under way.
"We've always maintained a dialogue with the Commission and we intend to continue doing that," said the spokesman, Mr Jon Chandler.
The investigation of Coca-Cola has been going on for years and in the past year the two sides have been exchanging ideas on a possible settlement.
The Commission has been concerned that Coca-Cola is tying sales of its flagship cola drink to its less well-known brands by offering rebates or other inducements to make shelf space for both.