1 May 2012 --- Coca-Cola Co released a statement on Monday stating that they have no plans to buy the energy drink maker Monster Beverage Corp, valued at more than $11 billion.

The statement from the world's largest soft drink maker came in response to a story that appeared in the Wall Street Journal that reported that Coke was in discussions to buy the energy drink maker, whose brands include Monster Energy and Java Monster.

Coke and Monster had discussed a possible deal as recently as last year, according to two sources familiar with the matter. However, it is unclear whether the two have been in talks since then.

The Coca-Cola Company issued the following statement regarding media reports related to Monster Beverage Corporation.

"Coca-Cola has a distribution relationship with Monster in many markets, including the United States. Therefore, we are always in contact with Monster to maximize the value of our commercial arrangements. At this time, we are not in discussions to acquire the Monster Beverage Corporation. We continue to review the best ways to maximize the value of our relationship."

"At this time, we are not in discussions to acquire the Monster Beverage Corp," Coke said in its statement. "We continue to review the best ways to maximize the value of our relationship."

Speculation about whether Coca-Cola would buy Monster has appeared in the past due to Monster's growth, the companies' distribution relationship, and the fact that Coke does not have a very strong-selling energy drink brand.