Case Background
Set in December 2000, immediately following the merger announcement between PepsiCo Inc. and the Quaker Oats Company, this case seeks to examine the implications of the merger for the rivalry between Coca-Cola Co. and PepsiCo, and for value creation by each firm. Because the merger would allow PepsiCo to control Gatorade, which held an 83% share in the sports drink market, PepsiCo would further strengthen its already-wide lead over Coca-Cola Co. in the non-carbonated drinks segment. Will the merger threaten Coca-Cola's historically stellar performance in terms of value creation?