Cadbury Schweppes announces separation of confectionery and beverages

Cadbury Schweppes announces that it intends to separate its confectionery and Americas Beverages businesses. The Board is evaluating the options for separation to maximise shareowner value. Further information will be provided at the time of the trading update on 19 June.

Sir John Sunderland, Chairman, said: "This decision is of great significance for the Board and the Company. It has been facilitated by acquisitions and disposals over the last decade designed to create a strong and potentially independent Americas Beverages business. In the same time, we have built the world s largest confectionery business. We believe now is the moment to separate and give both management teams the focused opportunity to extract the full potential inherent in these excellent businesses." Todd Stitzer, Chief Executive Officer, said: "Separating these two great businesses will enable two outstanding management teams to focus on generating further revenue growth, increasing margin, and enhancing returns for their respective shareowners."