Coca-Cola Company

Following John Pemberton’s declining health, he sold off portions of his business to several partners. Just before his passing in 1888, he transferred his remaining stake in Coca-Cola to a savvy Atlanta businessman, Asa G. Candler. Recognizing the potential of the product, Candler began acquiring additional rights until he gained full control of the business. On May 1, 1889, he boldly advertised in The Atlanta Journal, declaring his drug company as the “sole proprietors of…