Agreement with The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company makes Coke an official partner and sponsor of Villanova University Athletics

For Immediate Release
December 22, 2008

VILLANOVA, Pa., Dec. 22, 2008 – Villanova University has entered into a long-term contract with The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company, making Coca-Cola products the “official beverages” of Villanova University in its dining halls, retail cafes, convenience stores and vending machines, effective in January. In exchange, Coke becomes an official partner and sponsor of Villanova University Athletics while also providing its marketing expertise and financial strength to an already long list of University corporate partners.

The agreement allows for a wide selection of beverage products on the Villanova campus. In addition to Coke’s flagship products – Coca-Cola Classic, Diet Coke, Coke Zero and Sprite – the new agreement also will include Dasani bottled water, Minute Maid juices, V-8 juices, Fuze, Odwalla Smoothies, Nestea products, Gold Peak Teas, Hi-C products, Fanta flavors, Evian Water and Barq’s Root Beer.

“We are excited to partner with Coca-Cola in serving our students and the University Community,” said Timothy Dietzler, Villanova University Director of Dining Services. “Access to a wide variety of products is important to our students and Coca-Cola brings to our campus an extensive selection of beverage products for our students to enjoy.”

The world’s largest beverage company and a strong supporter of college athletics, Coca-Cola is the official beverage sponsor of the NCAA Basketball Championship. As an official partner and sponsor of Villanova University Athletics, Coca-Cola will provide the Department of Athletics with sponsorship and advertising support.

“We are thrilled to welcome Coca-Cola to the Villanova Athletics family,” said Vince Nicastro, Villanova University Director of Athletics. “We look forward to working with Coke on implementing innovative marketing and sponsorship programs that will create substantial value for both of us. Most importantly, the resources generated through this relationship will be crucial to directly supporting the efforts of our student-athletes as they strive for excellence in their studies and their sport.”

Installation of the new vending and fountain dispensing machines at Villanova will take place over the next month. The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company will provide and maintain all vending and fountain dispensing equipment.

Villanova University (www.villanova.edu), a co-educational Roman Catholic institution, was founded by the Order of Saint Augustine in 1842. A premier institution of higher education, Villanova provides a comprehensive education rooted in the liberal arts; a shared commitment to the Augustinian ideals of truth, unity and love; and a community dedicated to service to others. A wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered through the University’s four colleges: the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering and the College of Nursing, as well as the Villanova School of Law. With a total enrollment that surpasses 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students, Villanova is the oldest and largest Catholic university in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company (www.phillycoke.com) is the fourth largest Coke Bottler in the United States, employing over 1,200 people. It has one of the largest soft drink manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and is a leader in manufacturing, selling and distribution of soft drinks. Philly Coke (as most commonly referred) corporate offices reside in the sixth largest city in the U.S. and serves a consumer base with over six million people across a territory that spans parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. The company’s offerings include carbonated soft drinks, bottled waters, teas, juices, isotonics and energy drinks.

The Coca-Cola Company (www.thecoca-colacompany.com) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 450 sparkling and still brands. Along with Coca-Cola®, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company's portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke®, Fanta®, Sprite®, Coca-Cola Zero®, vitaminwater, POWERade®, Minute Maid® and Georgia® Coffee. Globally, Coca-Cola is the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate of 1.5 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, the Coca-Cola Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where they operate.