Pepsi Bottling Group Inc. reportedly still has a $30 million offer on the table from the state of Connecticut to relocate its headquarters there from Somers, after New York Gov. David Paterson proposed an 18 percent tax on some carbonated beverages.
The New York Times reported Connecticut has offered $30 million in incentives to lure Pepsi Bottling, a figure previously cited by the Fairfield County Business Journal in February 2008. The company”™s lease in Somers is scheduled to expire in 2010.
The company is among the half-dozen largest companies based in Westchester County as ranked by annual sales, after recording a $162 million profit last year on $13.2 billion in revenue. With more than 1,000 employees, Pepsi Bottling is one of the 15 largest employers in Westchester, and would rank among the 20 largest employers in Fairfield County, Conn.
In a written statement issued by spokesman Jeff Dahncke, Pepsi Bottling indicated a decision has yet to be reached.
“The Pepsi enterprise has enjoyed a long and successful partnership with New York,” Dahncke stated. “We”™re concerned by the recent policy proposals directed towards our industry, as they will negatively impact consumers, hurt small businesses and hinder our ability to grow as an employer. Having said that, we plan to continue an active dialogue with (the state) and we”™re hopeful that we”™ll reach a constructive resolution.”
Dahncke did not respond to an inquiry on whether Pepsi Bottling”™s deliberations could be affected by Gov. M. Jodi Rell”™s proposal to expand Connecticut”™s bottle bill to include non-carbonated beverages like bottled water. In addition to sodas, Pepsi distributes Aquafina bottled waters, Dole juices, Sobe teas and other non-carbonated drinks.
In February 2008, Sen. Charles Schumer stated he had contacted Pepsi Bottling CEO Eric Foss to dissuade the company from considering Danbury, Conn., as a relocation site. Local real estate brokers say any such deal might be complicated by the availability of a suitable and large enough space to accommodate the company.
