EC threat to Cadbury

CADBURY Schweppes has warned that the £620 million sale of its British bottling interests could be under threat, it emerged today.

The company said the European Commission had decided it needed more time to complete its detailed investigation into the deal. Cadbury agreed in June to sell its 51 per cent stake in Coca Cola Schweppes Beverages, which is jointly owned with Coca Cola Company, to its American partner.