Coca-Cola Acquires Moxie

(RTTNews) - Soft drink giant Coca-Cola has agreed to buy Moxie, the official state beverage of Maine, from its bottling partner Coca-Cola of Northern New England, an independent bottling partner of the larger company in Bedford, New Hampshire.

Coca-Cola has not released any financial details of the deal, which is expected to close this year.

Moxie has been around since the 19th century. It's flavored with a root extract that gives it a distinctive taste that polarizes drinkers.

Coca-Cola says bottling of the soda will remain in New Hampshire. Coca-Cola said the company will ''ensure it stays true to its Northeastern roots.''

"Moxie is a great brand with a great heritage. Coca-Cola Northern New England has been a strong steward of the brand over the last decade and we take seriously our responsibility to ensure it stays true to its Northeastern roots," a Coca-Cola spokeswomen said.