Huiyuan Juice denies buyout talks with Coke

China-based Huiyuan Juice Group said Friday it was unaware of sources cited in the press suggesting the company had resumed talks with Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Co.

Chinese authorities rejected last month Coca-Cola’s $2.4 billion bid to buy Huiyuan on grounds it would concentrate too much power in one company.

The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed sources, reported this week that Coca-Cola and Huiyuan had resumed talks. Coca-Cola could seek a minority stake, the report said.

With its stock price rising on the report, Huiyuan issued a statement that said it was not engaged in “any price-sensitive information that would require an announcement.” Coca-Cola said that it does not comment on speculation.