国际英语新闻：China to insist on principle of market-oriented economy on Huiyuan-Coca-Cola union

His view was shared by Coca-Cola's Li. "Accurate laws clarify the investors concept of the procedures. It could also help to create a healthier investment environment and encourage more foreign investment."

    The case would also help China to detail the law for future protection of some important domestic markets, said Li Fei, a Xiamen University economics professor.

    The acquisition was considered to be a big step for the soft drink giant to explore its non-carbonated drinks market in China when the rate of carbonated drinks share had slowed.

    Last year, Coca-Cola launched its Minute Maid juice brand in China as part of its expansion into the nation's fruit and vegetable drinks business. The category was valued at 10.6 billion U.S. dollars in 2007, while carbonated drinks were 7.4 billion U.S. dollars, according to Euromonitor figures.

    "This acquisition will deliver value to our shareholders and provide a unique opportunity to strengthen our business in China, especially since the juice segment is so dynamic and fast-growing in China," said Muhtar Kent, Coca-Cola president and chief executive officer (CEO). The acquisition would be the 55-year-old American-born Turk's first major move since taking the reins as the company's CEO in July.

    Coke offered a figure of an exclusive soft drink review from Methodology Canadean Ltd, a British investigation company for the drinks market, showing the market share would be lower than 20 percent if the marriage was a success.

    Currently, Huiyuan has a domestic market share of 13.95 percent among the 134 large drink producers in China, according to figures of Beijing Orient Agribusiness Consultant, Ltd. (BOABC), a professional consulting firm specializing in agri-business consulting services to the food business.

    If successful, Coca-Cola would overtake France's Groupe Danone, which held a 16.3 percent share of China's soft drinks market in 2007, as the country's top brand with a 17.9 percent market share.

    The marriage would be a challenge for domestic juice companies and might change the whole strategic situation of the juice industry, said Huang Bin, president of the Quanzhou branch of the Agricultural Bank of China in Fujian Province.