A Coca-Cola logo design is envisioned throughout an occasion in Paris, France, March 21, 2019. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

Might 12 (Reuters) – Sodas bottler Coca-Cola HBC AG ( CCH.L) stated on Thursday it will examine all choices for its Russian operations and have a smaller sized existence in the nation, concentrating on regional brand names, after U.S. drink giant Coca-Cola suspended operations there.

The bottler, which counted Russia as one of its most significant markets, stated it was still in the procedure of executing the choice by Coca-Cola ( KO.N)

Numerous Western business have actually either withdrawn or suspended operations in Russia because the nation attacked Ukraine in February while Western federal governments have actually enforced sanctions.

HBC is among Coca-Cola’s numerous bottlers around the world and holds regional Coca-Cola franchises to bottle and offer beverages produced by the drink giant. Coca-Cola holds an approximately 21% stake in HBC.

The business, whose yearly outlook stays withdrawn, stated it has actually stopped putting orders for concentrate in Russia and stopped financial investments in the market.

The London-listed business stated natural profits in the very first quarter increased 25.9%, omitting Russia and Ukraine.

The Switzerland-headquartered business stated it increased rates in the quarter to assist handle increasing input expense inflation, which has actually not adversely affected volumes.

Reporting by Amna Karimi in Bengaluru; Modifying by Sherry Jacob-Phillips

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