The Coca-Cola Company's 2.4-billion-US-dollar offer to buy Huiyuan Juice, one of China's major domestic juice makers, has sparked hot public debate over the past couple of days.
The Southern Metropolis Daily reports that as many as 80 percent of people surveyed online are against the proposed acquisition, and the reason is simple: they do not want to see any more well-established domestic brands replaced by foreign brands. (Www.hXen.com)
Further more, some of the respondents said they believe that Coca-Cola's offer may not simply be a just takeover, but would affect other interest parties that work closely with the juice company, including farmers, fruit business people, government departments, as well as logistics and sales networks.
However, others argued that in an era of globalization, trade should just follow the rules of commerce rather than nationalistic purposes.
They point out that Huiyuan's shareholding of other international businesses including dairy products maker Groupe Danone of France and the American venture capital and investment firm Warburg Pincus is just an example. And it also reflects Huiyuan's strategic choice. Therefore, even after the takeover, Huiyuan would still be regarded as a domestic brand and continue to enjoy its market share.
