US snacks and soft drinks giant PepsiCo has said that two of its divisions have received notification from staff at the US Securities and Exchange Commission that the SEC is proposing to recommend bringing a civil action against the divisions.


The proposed action would allege that a non-executive employee at the company’s Pepsi-Cola soft drinks unit and another at its Frito-Lay snacks unit signed documents in early 2001 prepared by US retailer Kmart acknowledging payments in the amount of US$3.0m from Pepsi-Cola and $2.8m from Frito-Lay. Kmart allegedly used these documents to improperly record the timing of revenue from these businesses, PepsiCo said.


The company said both divisions are cooperating fully with the investigation, and submitting reasons why they do not believe an action should be recommended or brought.


“Based on an internal review, no officers of PepsiCo, Pepsi-Cola or Frito-Lay are involved. The matter does not involve any allegations regarding PepsiCo’s own accounting for its transactions with Kmart or PepsiCo’s financial statements,” PepsiCo added.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.