Coca-Cola just bought a massive coffee chain for $5.1 billion, and it's a huge bet on physical stores (KO)

Getty/Dan Kitwood Coca-Cola just purchased British coffee-shop chain Costa Coffee for $5.1 billion. The beverage giant does not currently have any hot-drink offerings or direct retail outlets. The Costa Coffee acquisition marks a major step forward in both of those categories. Costa Coffee is headquartered in London and has nearly 4,000 stores around the world, including its own coffee roastery in England. Those stores will be key to future growth, according toGeorge Lawrie of Forrester. Coca-Co...