Quaker Reportedly in Talks to Sell Snapple

Quaker Oats Co. stock rose 6% after a trade publication reported that the company is in “substantive talks� with PepsiCo Inc. over the sale of its Snapple and Gatorade beverage units. Brandweek, a New York-based magazine, said Coca-Cola Co. “and at least one other group of investors� are also interested in the businesses. The magazine said Pepsi executives are again pursuing talks after balking earlier this month when Quaker asked for $3 billion. The article didn’t indicate whether that asking price was for both divisions or just for Snapple. New York-based Quaker bought Snapple for $1.7 billion in November 1994. Since then, the beverage maker has posted losses that are expected to exceed $100 million this year. Quaker closed at $39.375, up $2.125 on the NYSE.