As part of its $5 billion investment strategy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region over the next one decade, The Coca-Cola Co. , has sealed a $980million deal with Aujan Industries, acquiring 50 percent stake of the Saudi Arabia’s beverage company and 49 percent ownership of its bottling and distribution operations.

With the acquisition of Aujan Industries beverage business stakes, the world’s largest beverage company will be able to expand its portfolio in the juice sector and continue to drive long-term value for all shareholders.

Coca Cola’s move to acquire stakes in Aujan industries was first announced December 2011.

With over 2,500 employees and a turnover of over $850 million, Aujan is one of the largest independent beverage companies in the Middle East. Its brands include Rani line of fruit drinks, British spiced fruit drink Vimto which is popular among Muslims in the middle east celebrating the month of Ramadan, and non-alcoholic malt beverage Barbican.

“Today begins the next era of growth for our system across the Middle East and North Africa,” Coca-Cola Eurasia and Africa president Ahmet Bozer said.

“This transaction creates a platform for further cooperation between the Company, Aujan and existing bottling partners across the region to dramatically change the juice landscape.”

Tagged as the world’s most valuable brand with consumers in more than 200 countries, Coca-Cola Company has more than 500 brands. The Company’s portfolio features 15 billion-dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitamin water, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle.