But Coca-Cola Enterprises has tried hard to make its case.

Coca-Cola Enterprises says the lawsuit, filed in 1997, is without merit.

Shares of Coca-Cola Enterprises rose yesterday by just less than $1, to close at $18.4375.

Coca-Cola Enterprises has since invested heavily in some problem areas.

Coca-Cola Enterprises trades at about 10 times that earnings measure.

Coca-Cola Enterprises is a perfect example of why the market is growing even after 50 years.

A spokesman for Coca-Cola Enterprises said the company played by the rules.

Coca-Cola Enterprises said it would buy back 5.3 million of its shares by the end of the year.

To level the playing field, the lawyers say, Coca-Cola Enterprises must give up those franchise rights.

A spokeswoman for Coca-Cola Enterprises did not return phone calls yesterday.