6-10-98

OHIO STATE TO FORM PARTNERSHIP WITH COCA COLA

	COLUMBUS -- The Ohio State University is announcing the 
selection of the Coca Cola Company as the exclusive beverage 
partner for the Columbus campus.  Although the agreement takes 
effect July 1, negotiations are still in progress to finalize a 
10-year contract.  Until the contract is signed, neither the 
university nor Coca Cola will comment on the total value of the 
partnership.  The contract is expected to be finalized by 
September.  It is expected that the final contract will assist 
Ohio State in enriching academic opportunities, enhancing the 
student experience, and broadening resources in ways that are 
consistent with the direction set by the Board of Trustees.

	Ohio State students, faculty and staff will begin to see 
some changes in the next weeks as contracts with other vendors 
are phased out, new vending machines are brought in and existing 
machines are replaced or upgraded.

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Contact: Malcolm Baroway, executive director, University 
Communications, (614) 292-6895.