Document:

EXHIBIT 10.43

                             EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
                             --------------------

          This Employment Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into on
this 30th day of September, 1999 to be effective as of October 1, 1999 by and
between PANAMCO LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of
Delaware and d/b/a PANAMERICAN BEVERAGES COMPANY in Florida (the "Company"), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Panamerican Beverages, Inc., a company organized
under the laws of the Republic of Panama ("Panamco") and CARLOS HERNANDEZ
ARTIGAS (hereinafter called the "Executive").

                                R E C I T A L S
                                ---------------

          A. The Executive is the Vice President Legal of Panamco and also
serves as the Secretary of the Board of Directors of Panamco.

          B. The Executive has been employed by Administracion S.A. de C.V., a
company organized under the laws of Mexico ("Administracion"), in Mexico City,
Mexico, an indirect subsidiary of Panamco since October 1, 1993.

          C. The Board of Directors of Panamco (the "Board") recognizes that
it is in the best interest of Panamco to relocate the Executive to Miami,
Florida.

          D. The Executive possesses intimate knowledge of the business and
affairs of Panamco and the Company, its policies, methods and personnel.

          E. The Board recognizes that the Executive has contributed to the
growth and success of Panamco, and desires to assure Panamco and the Company
of the Executive's continued employment and to compensate him therefor.

          F. The Board has determined that this Agreement will reinforce and
encourage the Executive's continued attention and dedication to Panamco and
the Company.

          G. The Executive is willing to make his services available to the
Company and on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

          H. The Executive recognizes that his sole employer will be the
Company.

                                   AGREEMENT
                                   ---------

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants
set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:

                                     -1-

<PAGE>

     1.   Employment.
          ----------

          1.1  Employment and Term. The Company hereby agrees to employ the
Executive and the Executive hereby agrees to serve the Company on the terms
and conditions set forth herein.

          1.2  Duties of Executive. During the Term of Employment under this
Agreement, the Executive shall serve as the Chief Legal Officer ("CLO ") of
the Company, shall diligently perform all services as may be assigned to him
by the Board (provided that, such services shall not materially differ from
the services currently provided by the Executive) and described in more detail
under the job description of the CLO, and shall exercise such power and
authority as may from time to time be delegated to him by the Board. The
Executive shall devote his full time and attention to the business and affairs
of the Company, render such services to the best of his ability, and use his
best efforts to promote the interests of the Company. It shall not be a
violation of this Agreement for the Executive to (i) serve on corporate, civic
or charitable boards or committees, (ii) deliver lectures, fulfill speaking
engagements or teach at educational institutions, or (iii) manage personal
investments, so long as such activities do not significantly interfere with
the performance of the Executive's responsibilities to the Company in
accordance with this Agreement.

          1.3  Place of Performance. The principal place of employment of the
Executive shall be at the Company's principal executive offices in Miami,
Florida. In the event that the Company's principal executive offices are moved
from Miami, Florida, beyond 200 miles the Company shall promptly pay, or
reimburse the Executive, for all reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive
for a period of at least one (1) year following such move relating to any
change of the Executive's residence in connection with his employment
hereunder including without limitation, reasonable expenses for himself and
his family of travel, moving, storage and suitable lodging and maintenance.

     2.   Term.
          ----

          2.1  Initial Term. The initial Term of Employment under this
Agreement, and the employment of the Executive hereunder, shall commence on
October 1, 1999 (the "Commencement Date") and shall expire on September 30,
2002, unless sooner terminated in accordance with Section 5 hereof (the
"Initial Term").

          2.2  Renewal Terms. At the end of the Initial Term, the Term of
Employment automatically shall renew for successive one (1) year terms
(subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 5 hereof) until the
Executive has reached his Normal Retirement Age (as defined in the Pension
Plan), unless the Company or the Executive delivers written notice to the
Company other at least six (6) months prior to the Expiration Date of its or
his election not to renew the Term of Employment. In the event that the
Company elects not to renew the Term of Employment pursuant to this Section
2.2 for any reason other than Cause (as defined in Section 5.4 hereof), then
the Executive shall be deemed to be terminated by the Company without Cause in
accordance with Section 5.4, and shall be entitled to the benefits described
thereunder.

                                     -2-

<PAGE>

          2.3  Term of Employment and Expiration Date. The period during which
the Executive shall be employed by the Company pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement is sometimes referred to in this Agreement as the "Term of
Employment", and the date on which the Term of Employment shall expire
(including the date on which any renewal term shall expire), is sometimes
referred to in this Agreement as the "Expiration Date".

     3.   Compensation.
          ------------

          3.1  Base Salary. The Executive shall receive a base salary at the
annual rate of $228,000 (two hundred twenty eight thousand dollars) (the "Base
Salary") during the Term of Employment, with such Base Salary payable in
installments consistent with the Company's normal payroll schedule, subject to
applicable withholding and other taxes. The Base Salary shall be reviewed, at
least annually, for merit increases and may, by action and in the discretion
of the Board, be increased at any time or from time to time based upon market
conditions. Base Salary, if increased, shall not thereafter be decreased for
any reason.

          3.2  Bonuses.
               -------

               (i) During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be
eligible to receive annual bonus awards pursuant to the terms and conditions
of the Panamerican Beverages, Inc. Annual Incentive Plan, as may be amended
from time to time (the "Incentive Plan"), a copy of which is attached hereto
as Exhibit A and incorporated by reference.

              (ii) The Executive shall receive such additional bonuses, if
any, as the Board may in its sole and absolute discretion determine.

             (iii) Any bonuses payable pursuant to this Section 3.2 are
sometimes hereinafter referred to as "Incentive Compensation." Each period for
which Incentive Compensation is payable is sometimes hereinafter referred to
as a Bonus Period. Unless otherwise specified by the Board or provided under
the Incentive Plan, the Bonus Period shall be the calendar year.

              (iv) Any Incentive Compensation payable pursuant to this
Section 3.2 shall be paid by the Company to the Executive within 2 1/2 months
after the end of the Bonus Period for which it is payable.

          3.3  Other Compensation.
               ------------------

               (i) Automobile Allowance. During the Term of Employment, the
Executive shall receive an allowance from the Company for automobile
related-expenses, which allowance has been quantified by the Company to equal
$500.00 dollars (five hundred dollars) per month, net of any applicable taxes,
plus routine maintenance insurance and normal fuel expenses which amount shall
be payable at the same times and in the same manner as the Executive's Base
Salary, as described in Section 3.1 hereof.

                                     -3-

<PAGE>

              (ii) Vacation Premium. During the Term of Employment, the
Executive shall receive additional compensation in an amount equal to the
product of fifty percent (50%) of the daily Base Salary and the number of
vacation days accrued per year during the vacation period per year, payable on
October 1 of each year.

     4.   Expense Reimbursement and Other Benefits.

          4.1  Reimbursement of Expenses. Upon the submission of proper
substantiation by the Executive, and subject to such rules and guidelines as
the Company may from time to time adopt, the Company shall reimburse the
Executive for all reasonable expenses actually paid or incurred by the
Executive during the Term of Employment in the course of and pursuant to the
business of the Company. The Executive shall account to the Company in writing
for all expenses for which reimbursement is sought and shall supply to the
Company copies of all relevant invoices, receipts or other evidence reasonably
requested by the Company.

          4.2  Benefit Programs. During the Term of Employment, but effective
as of September 1, 2000 or earlier as determined by the Company (the
"Effective Date") the Company shall provide to the Executive the following
benefits:

               (i) life insurance coverage in an amount equal to at least
three (3) times the Executive's Base Salary and Target Bonus (as defined in
the Incentive Plan) determined as of each January 1st during the Term of
Employment, and which provides for double indemnity protection in the event of
the accidental death of the Executive;

              (ii) disability insurance coverage, subject to such maximum
amounts of coverage as may be imposed by the insurer as follows: (x)
short-term disability coverage in an amount equal to sixty percent (60%) of
the Executive's Base Salary, as in effect as of the date the short-term
disability commences, payable for a period not to exceed a maximum of six (6)
months, and (y) long-term disability coverage in an amount equal to sixty
percent (60%) of the Executive's Base Salary as in effect as of the date the
long-term disability commences, which shall be reduced by the amounts, if any,
payable to the Executive under social security, workers' compensation and/or
any disability coverage programs maintained by the Company. The Executive
shall have the right to receive all the benefits related to the disability
insurance as provided herein, until the Executive has reached his Normal
Retirement Age (as defined in the Pension Plan);

             (iii) health and medical coverage which provides for at least
the following: (x) 100% coverage under a health maintenance plan ("HMO"), 90%
coverage under a preferred provider plan ("PPO") and 80% coverage under a
physician of choice plan ("POS"); (y) a 15% co-payment for prescription drugs;
and (z) the payment by the Company of (A) 100% of the premiums with respect to
coverage for the Executive; (B) 50% of the premiums with respect to coverage
for the Executive's spouse and dependents eligible for coverage; and (C) an
excess medical payment benefit payable to the Executive in an amount, not to
exceed $5,000 per year, to reimburse the Executive for deductibles,
co-payments and other out-of-pockets expenses incurred

                                     -4-

<PAGE>

with respect to the health and medical coverage under this paragraph (iii);

              (iv) dental coverage which provides for at least the following:
(x) 100% coverage with respect to routine dental maintenance, (y) 80% coverage
with respect to basic dental work, and (z) orthodontia coverage for the
Executive's children, up to a maximum of $1,000 per child;

               (v) vision coverage which provides for at least the following:
(x) 100% coverage for one eye exam per year; (y) 100% coverage for one set of
eyeglass frames or contact lenses; and (z) a 20% co-payment with respect to
any other eye-related expenses; and

              (vi) eligibility to participate in all other plans as are
presently and hereinafter offered by the Company to its executives, including
savings, pension, profit-sharing and deferred compensation plans, subject to
the general eligibility and participation provisions set forth in such plans.
In addition, the Executive shall participate, and continue accruing benefits
under, the Mexican Pension Plan. For purposes of the Mexican Pension Plan, the
Executive shall be entitled to receive pension benefits, as provided therein,
as if the Executive had been employed with Panamco as of February 1, 1973,
date in which the Executive began his career in the soft-drink industry, as it
was originally agreed between the Executive and Administracion.

             (vii) between the date of execution of this Agreement and the
Effective Date, the Executive shall continue to enjoy health and medical
coverage, life insurance and all other fringe benefits being provided by
Administracion, unless otherwise provided hereunder.

          4.3  Working Facilities. During the Term of Employment, the Company
shall furnish the Executive with an office, secretarial help and such other
facilities and services suitable to his position and adequate for the
performance of his duties hereunder.

          4.4  Stock Options and Restricted Stock. During the Term of
Employment, the Executive shall be eligible to be granted both restricted
stock (the "Restricted Stock") and options (the "Stock Options") to purchase
common stock (the "Common Stock") of the Company under (and therefore subject
to all terms and conditions of) the Company's Equity Incentive Plan as
amended, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit C and incorporated by
reference, and any successor plan thereto (the "Equity Plan") and all rules of
regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission applicable to stock
option plans then in effect. The number of shares of Restricted Stock and
Stock Options and the terms and conditions of the Restricted Stock and the
Stock Options shall be determined by the Committee appointed pursuant to the
Equity Plan, or by the Board of Directors of the Company, in its discretion
and pursuant to the Equity Plan.

          4.5  Vacation Time. During the Term of Employment, the Executive
shall be entitled to 16 (sixteen) business days of vacation each calendar
year, to be taken at such times as the Executive and the Company shall
mutually determine and provided that no vacation time shall interfere with the
duties required to be rendered by the Executive hereunder. Any vacation time
not taken by the Executive during any calendar year may be carried forward
into the succeeding calendar year (the "Unused Vacation Time"); provided,
however, that in the event that the Executive fails to utilize the Unused
Vacation Time by the end of the succeeding year, such

                                      -5-

<PAGE>

Unused Vacation Time shall be forfeited. For these purposes, the Unused
Vacation Time shall be considered utilized by the Executive prior to the time
that the vacation time for the subsequent year shall be considered to be
utilized by the Executive.

          4.6  Relocation Assistance. The Company shall provide to the
Executive the following relocation assistance:

               (i) a relocation allowance net of any applicable taxes, in an
amount equal to the greater of (x) one twelfth (1/2) of the Executive's annual
Base Salary as provided under Section 3.1 hereof, or (y) $10,000, payable
immediately upon the date the Executive actually physically relocates to
Miami, Florida (the "Moving Date");

              (ii) a home rental allowance net of any applicable taxes, (the
"Home Allowance") for three (3) years, commencing on the date on which the
Executive's new residential lease or mortgage in Florida commences, in an
amount comparable to peers in Miami, adjusted as follows: (x) 100% of the Home
Allowance for the first year; (y) 67% of the Home Allowance for the second
year, and (z) 33% of the Home Allowance for the third year. The Home Allowance
shall be payable by the Company, at the Executive's election, either in
monthly installments or as a lump sum payment, where the amount of the lump
sum payment is to be determined by the Company's relocation consultants based
upon the present value of the total payments payable to the Executive pursuant
to this paragraph (ii), plus a twenty-five percent (25%) premium.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in the event that the
Executive elects to receive a lump sum payment of the Home Allowance, and the
Executive's employment with the Company is terminated for any reason prior to
the expiration of the Initial Term of this Agreement, the Executive shall
repay to the Company that portion of the Home Allowance attributable to the
months remaining in the Initial Term, determined as of the date of termination
of the Executive's employment. For purposes of this paragraph (ii), the Area
Home Allowance for the first year shall be Three Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety
Four Dollars ($3,994) per month net of any applicable taxes;

             (iii) a cost of living allowance net of any applicable taxes,
(the Cost of living Allowance") with respect to goods and services for three
(3) years, commencing on the Executive's Moving Date, in an amount equal to
the following applicable percentages of the amount, if any, by which the
Executive's consumption costs with respect to goods and services in the
Executive's new employment location and the Executive's consumption costs with
respect to goods and services in the Executive's former employment location
(the "Cost of Living Differential"), adjusted as follows: (x) 100% of the Cost
of Living Differential for the first year; (y) 67% of the Cost of Living
Differential for the second year, and (z) 33% of the Cost of Living
Differential for the third year, as determined by the Company's relocation
consultants, payable to the Executive in monthly installments. For purposes of
this paragraph (iii), the Consumption Differential for the first year shall be
Two Thousand and Forty Five Dollars and 41 Cents ($2,045.41) per month net of
any applicable taxes;

              (iv) a ninety (90) day, non-interest bearing loan in an amount
not to exceed ninety percent (90%) of the equity in the Executive's residence
in the Executive's former employment location, but only if such residence is
being sold, to be secured in a manner as

                                     -6-

<PAGE>

determined by the Company in its discretion;

               (v) reimbursements for either (x) reasonable fees and expenses
incurred in selling a residence in the Executive's former employment location
including, without limitation, realtor's fees and closing costs, or (y)
reasonable property management and/or maintenance fees and expenses incurred
with respect to the maintenance of the Executive's residence in the
Executive's former employment location for one (1) year, and

              (vi) any other customary allowances and assistance as
determined by the Company's relocation consultants and consistent with the
Term Sheet attached hereto as an Exhibit and made a part hereof.

          The Company shall reimburse the Executive on a grossed-up basis in
the event that any tax is assessed upon the Executive with respect to payments
made pursuant to paragraphs (i), (ii), and (iii) of this Section 4.6. The
Executive shall account to the Company in writing for all expenses for which
reimbursement is sought and shall supply to the Company copies of all relevant
invoices, receipts or other evidence reasonably requested by the Company. The
amount of any and all payments to be payable to the Executive under this
Section 4.6 shall be determined by the Company and such determination shall be
binding and conclusive on all parties in the absence of fraud or gross
negligence.

          4.7  Club   Membership.   During  the  Term  of  Employment,
commencing  on  the  Executive's  Moving  Date,  the  Company  shall  pay  all
reasonable fees and dues including  initiation fees payable in connection with
the  Executive's  memberships  in a  luncheon  club,  to be  selected  by  the
Executive in his sole discretion.

          4.8  Financial Planning. During the Term of Employment, the Company
shall pay, up to a maximum of five thousand dollars ($5,000) per calendar
year, for any fees and expenses incurred by the Executive for legal,
accounting and/or tax advice in connection with his tax return preparation,
financial planning and/or estate planning.

          4.9  Annual Home Leave. During the Initial Term, commencing on the
Executive's Moving Date, the Company shall pay, on an annual basis, for one
first class round trip airfare for the Executive, his spouse and his children
to travel between Miami, Florida and the Executive's former country of
residency.

          4.10  Tax Protection. During the Initial Term, for each calendar
year, the Company shall reimburse the Executive, on a grossed-up basis, in the
event that any tax is assessed upon him in relation to any and all payments
made pursuant to this Agreement, excluding any tax that maybe assessed with
respect to Restricted Stock and Stock Options, which is in excess of the tax
which would have been assessed on the Executive had the Executive remained in
his former employment location with the Company.

                                     -7-

<PAGE>

     5.   Termination.

          5.1  Termination for Cause. The Company shall at all times have the
right, upon written notice to the Executive, to terminate the Term of
Employment, for Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Cause" shall
mean (i) an action or omission of the Executive which constitutes a willful
and material breach of, or failure or refusal (other than by reason of his
disability) to perform his duties under this Agreement which is not cured
within ninety (90) days after receipt by the Executive of written notice of
same and which termination is affirmed by a majority vote of the full Board,
(ii) fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation of funds or breach of trust by the
Executive in connection with his services hereunder, (iii) the Executive's
conviction of any crime which involves dishonesty or a breach of trust, or
(iv) gross negligence in connection with the performance by the Executive of
his duties hereunder, which is not cured within ninety (90) days after written
receipt by the Executive of written notice of same and which termination is
affirmed by a majority vote of the full Board. Any termination for Cause shall
be made in writing to the Executive, which notice shall set forth in detail
all acts or omissions upon which the Company is relying for such termination.
The Executive shall have the right to address the Board regarding the acts set
forth in the notice of termination. Upon any termination pursuant to this
Section 5.1, the Company shall (i) pay to the Executive his Base Salary to the
date of termination and (ii) pay to the Executive his accrued but unpaid
Incentive Compensation, if any, for any Bonus Period ending on or before the
date of the termination of the Executive's employment with the Company. The
Company shall have no further liability hereunder (other than for
reimbursement for reasonable business expenses incurred prior to the date of
termination, subject, however, to the provisions of Section 4.1). Any
determination of the Cause by the Board shall be binding and conclusive on all
parties in the absence of fraud or gross negligence.

          5.2  Disability. The Company shall at all times have the right, upon
written notice to the Executive, to terminate the Term of Employment, if the
Executive shall become entitled to the benefits under the Company's long-term
disability plan as then in effect, or, if the Executive shall as the result of
mental or physical incapacity, illness or disability, become unable to perform
his obligations hereunder for a period of 180 days in any 12-month period. The
Company shall have sole discretion based upon competent medical advice to
determine whether the Executive continues to be disabled. Upon any termination
pursuant to this Section 5.2, the Company shall (i) pay to the Executive any
unpaid Base Salary through the effective date of termination specified in such
notice, (ii) pay to the Executive his accrued but unpaid Incentive
Compensation, if any, for any Bonus Period ending on or before the date of
termination of the Executive's employment with the Company, (iii) continue to
pay the Executive for a period of twelve (12) months following the termination
of the Executive's employment with the Company, an amount equal to the excess,
if any, of (A) the Base Salary he was receiving at the time of his disability,
over (B) any benefits the Executive is entitled to receive during such period
under any disability insurance policies provided to the Executive by the
Company, such amount to be paid in the manner and at such times as the Base
Salary otherwise would have been payable to the Executive, and (iv) pay to the
Executive a pro rata portion of his Incentive Compensation, if any, for the
Bonus Period during which the date of termination of employment occurs,
determined in the manner and payable at the time and upon the terms and
conditions set forth in the Incentive Plan. The Company shall have no further
liability hereunder (other than for (x) reimbursement for reasonable business
expenses incurred prior to the date of termination, subject, however to the

                                     -8-

<PAGE>

provisions of Section 4.1, and (y) payment of compensation for unused vacation
days including both the vacation days that have accumulated during the year in
which such termination occurs and the unused carryover vacation days from the
immediately preceding year).

          5.3  Death. Upon the death of the Executive during the Term of
Employment, the Company shall (i) pay to the estate of the deceased Executive
any unpaid Base Salary through the Executive's date of death, (ii) pay to the
estate of the deceased Executive his accrued but unpaid Incentive
Compensation, if any, for any Bonus Period ending on or before the Executive's
date of death, and (iii) pay to the estate of the deceased Executive, a pro
rata portion of the Executive's Incentive Compensation, if any, for the Bonus
Period during which his death occurs, determined in the manner and payable at
the time and upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Incentive Plan.
The Company shall have no further liability hereunder (other than for (x)
reimbursement for reasonable business expenses incurred prior to the date of
the Executive's death, subject, however to the provisions of Section 4.1, and
(y) payment of compensation for unused vacation days including both the
vacation days that have accumulated during the year in which such termination
occurs and the unused carryover vacation days from the immediately preceding
year).

          5.4  Termination Without Cause. At any time the Company shall have
the right to terminate the Term of Employment by written notice to the
Executive. Upon any termination pursuant to this Section 5.4 (that is not a
termination under any of Sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.5 or 5.6), the Company
shall (i) pay to the Executive any unpaid Base Salary through the effective
date of termination specified in such notice, (ii) pay to the Executive the
accrued but unpaid Incentive Compensation, if any, for any Bonus Period ending
on or before the date of the termination of the Executive's employment with
the Company, (iii) pay to the Executive, as a single lump sum payment within
thirty (30) days of the date of termination hereunder, an amount equal to the
greater of (x) two (2) times the Executive's Base Salary and Target Bonus (as
defined in the Incentive Plan) for the year in which the termination occurs,
or (y) the severance benefit as set forth and calculated under the employment
laws of Mexico as in effect as of the Commencement Date, (iv) pay to the
Executive a pro rata portion of the Executive's Incentive Compensation, if
any, for the Bonus Period during which the termination occurs, determined in
the manner and payable at the time and upon the terms and conditions set forth
in the Incentive Plan, (v) continue to provide the Executive with the benefits
he was receiving under Section 4.2 hereof (the "Benefits") for a period of one
and one-half (1 1/2) years after the date of termination, in the manner and at
such times as the Benefits otherwise would have been payable or provided to
the Executive, or, if earlier, until similar benefits are obtained by the
Executive through new employment, and (vi) reimburse the Executive for moving
and related expenses incurred as a result of the Executive's relocation back
to his home country as provided in Section 1.3 hereof. In the event that the
Company is unable to provide the Executive with any Benefits required
hereunder by reason of the termination of the Executive's employment pursuant
to this Section 5.4, then the Company shall pay the Executive cash equal to
the value of the Benefit that otherwise would have accrued for the Executive's
benefit under the plan, for the period during which such Benefits could not be
provided under the plans, said cash payments to be made within 45 days after
the end of the year for which such contributions would have been made or would
have accrued. The Company's good faith determination of the amount that would
have been contributed or the value of any Benefits that would have accrued
under any plan shall be binding

                                     -9-

<PAGE>

and conclusive on the Executive. For this purpose, the Company may use as the
value of any Benefit the cost to the Company of providing that Benefit to the
Executive. Further, the Executive shall become immediately vested in his Stock
Options and shall have one (1) year from the date of termination of his
employment hereunder within which to exercise such Stock Options. The Company
shall have no further liability hereunder (other than for (x) reimbursement
for reasonable business expenses incurred prior to the date of termination,
subject, however, to the provisions of Section 4.1, and (y) payment of
compensation for unused vacation days including both the vacation days that
have accumulated during the year in which such termination occurs and the
unused carryover vacation days from the immediately preceding year).

          5.5   Termination by Executive.

               a. The Executive shall at all times have the right to terminate
the Term of Employment.

               b. Upon termination of the Term of Employment pursuant to this
Section 5.5 (that is not a termination under Section 5.6) by the Executive
without Good Reason, the Company shall (i) pay to the Executive any unpaid
Base Salary through the effective date of termination specified in such notice
and (ii) pay to the Executive his accrued but unpaid Incentive Compensation,
if any, for any Bonus Period ending on or before the termination of
Executive's employment with the Company. If, however, the Executive terminates
his employment pursuant to this subsection 5.5b prior to the first anniversary
of the Commencement Date, then, in addition to the amounts specified in the
preceding paragraph, the Company shall (x) pay to the Executive the greater of
(A) an amount equal to one half (1/2) times the Executive's Base Salary and
Target Bonus (as defined in the Incentive Plan) for the year in which the
termination of employment occurs, or (B) the severance benefit as set forth
and calculated under the employment laws of Mexico as in effect as of the
Commencement Date, and (y) reimburse the Executive for reasonable moving and
related expenses incurred as a result of the Executive's relocation back to
his home country. In addition, the Executive shall have one year from the date
of termination under this subsection 5.5b within which to exercise the portion
of his Stock Options that was vested as of the date of termination. The
Company shall have no further liability hereunder (other than for (1)
reimbursement for reasonable business expenses incurred prior to the date of
termination, subject, however, to the provisions of Section 4.1, and (2)
payment of compensation for unused vacation days including both the vacation
days that have accumulated during the year in which such termination occurs
and the unused carryover vacation days from the immediately preceding year).

               c. Upon termination of the Term of Employment pursuant to this
Section 5.5 (that is not a termination under Section 5.6) by the Executive for
Good Reason, the Company shall pay to the Executive the same amounts that
would have been payable by the Company to the Executive under Section 5.4 of
this Agreement if the Term of Employment had been terminated by the Company
without Cause. The Company shall have no further liability hereunder (other
than for (x) reimbursement for reasonable business expenses incurred prior to
the date of termination, subject, however, to the provisions of Section 4.1,
and (y) payment of compensation for unused vacation days including both the
vacation days that have accumulated during the year in which such termination
occurs and the unused carryover vacation days from the

                                     -10-

<PAGE>

immediately preceding year).

               d. For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall mean (i)
the assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent in any material
respect with the Executive's position (including status, offices, titles and
reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities as contemplated
by Section 1.2 of this Agreement, or any other action by the Company which
results in a material diminution in such position, authority, duties or
responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and
inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company
promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive; (ii) any
material failure by the Company to comply with any of the provisions of
Article 3 of this Agreement, other than an isolated, insubstantial and
inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith and which is remedied by the
Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive; (iii)
a material reduction in the Executive's Base Salary, Target Bonuses, as
defined under the Incentive Plan, or benefits as in effect from time to time;
and (iv) the Company's requiring the Executive without his written consent to
be based at any office or location beyond two hundred (200) miles of the
location described in Section 1.3 hereof, except for travel reasonably
required in the performance of the Executive's responsibilities and relocation
to any of Panamco's operations. For purposes of this Section 5.5(d), any good
faith determination of "Good Reason" made by the Board shall be conclusive.

               e. In the event the Executive is offered to be relocated to any
of Panamco's operations under customary conditions and the Executive refuses
to accept such offer, the Company shall have the right to terminate this
agreement for Cause, provided however, the Company shall (x) pay to the
Executive the greater of (A) an amount equal to one half (1/2) times the
Executive's Base Salary and Target Bonus (as defined in the Incentive Plan)
for the year in which the termination of employment occurs, or (B) the
severance benefit as set forth and calculated under the employment laws of
Mexico as in effect as of the Commencement Date, and (y) reimburse the
Executive for reasonable moving and related expenses incurred as a result of
the Executive's relocation back to his home country. In addition, the
Executive shall have one year from the date of termination under this
subsection 5.5e within which to exercise the portion of his Stock Options that
was vested as of the date of termination. The Company shall have no further
liability hereunder (other than for (1) reimbursement for reasonable business
expenses incurred prior to the date of termination, subject, however, to the
provisions of Section 4.1, and (2) payment of compensation for unused vacation
days including both the vacation days that have accumulated during the year in
which such termination occurs and the unused carryover vacation days from the
immediately preceding year)].

          5.6   Change in Control of Panamco.

               a. In the event that (i) a Change in Control (as defined in
paragraph (b) of this Section 5.6) in Panamco shall occur during the Term of
Employment, and (ii) prior to the Expiration Date, either (x) the Term of
Employment is terminated by the Company without Cause, pursuant to Section 5.4
hereof or (y) the Executive terminates the Term of Employment for Good Reason
as defined in Section 5.5(d) hereof, the Company shall pay to the Executive
the same amounts that would have been payable by the Company to the Executive
under Section 5.4 of this Agreement if the Term of Employment had been
terminated by the Company without

                                     -11-

<PAGE>

Cause. The Company shall have no further liability hereunder (other than for
(x) reimbursement for reasonable business expenses incurred prior to the date
of termination, subject, however, to the provisions of Section 4.1, and (y)
payment of compensation for unused vacation days including both the vacation
days that have accumulated during the calendar year in which such termination
occurs as well as the unused carryover vacation days from the immediately
preceding year.

               b. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Change in Control"
shall mean:

                    (i) Approval by the shareholders of Panamco of (x) a
reorganization, merger, consolidation or other form of corporate transaction
or series of transactions, in each case, with respect to which persons who
were the shareholders with voting rights of Panamco immediately prior to such
reorganization, merger or consolidation or other transaction do not,
immediately thereafter, own more than 50.1% of the combined voting power
entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the reorganized,
merged or consolidated company's then outstanding voting securities, in
substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to
such reorganization, merger, consolidation or other transaction, or (y) a
liquidation or dissolution of the Company or (z) the sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of Panamco (unless such reorganization,
merger, consolidation or other corporate transaction, liquidation, dissolution
or sale is subsequently abandoned);

                    (ii) Individuals who, as of the Commencement Date of this
Agreement, constitute the Board (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason
to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any person
becoming a director subsequent to the Commencement Date of this Agreement
whose election, or nomination for election by Panamco's shareholders, was
approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the
Incumbent Board (other than an election or nomination of an individual whose
initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened
election contest relating to the election of the Directors of the Company, as
such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A promulgated under the
Securities Exchange Act) shall be, for purposes of this Agreement, considered
as though such person were a member of the Incumbent Board; or

                    (iii) the acquisition (other than from Panamco) by any
person, entity or "group", within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2)
of the Securities Exchange Act, of more than 20% of either the then
outstanding shares of Panamco's Common Stock or the combined voting power of
the Panamco's then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in
the election of directors (hereinafter referred to as the ownership of a
"Controlling Interest") excluding, for this purpose, any acquisitions by (1)
Panamco or its Subsidiaries, (2) any person, entity or "group" that as of the
Commencement Date of this Agreement owns beneficial ownership (within the
meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act) of a
Controlling Interest or (3) any employee benefit plan of Panamco or its
Subsidiaries.

          5.7    Certain Additional Payments by the Company.

               a. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding,
in the

                                     -12-

<PAGE>

event it shall be determined that any payment, distribution or other action by
the Company to or for the benefit of the Executive (whether paid or payable or
distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or
otherwise, (including any additional payments required under this Section 5.7)
(a "Payment") would be subject to an excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), or any interest or
penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect to any such excise tax
(such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, are
hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax"), the Company shall
make a payment to the Executive (a "Gross-Up Payment") in an amount equal to
the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments such that after payment by the
Executive of all taxes (including any Excise Tax) imposed upon the Gross-Up
Payment, the Executive retains (or has had paid to the Internal Revenue
Service on his behalf) an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the sum of
(x) the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments and (y) the product of any
deductions disallowed because of the inclusion of the Gross-Up Payment in the
Executive's adjusted gross income and the highest applicable marginal rate of
federal income taxation for the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is
to be made. For purposes of determining the amount of the Gross-Up Payment,
the Executive shall be deemed to (i) pay federal income taxes at the highest
marginal rates of federal income taxation for the calendar year in which the
Gross-Up Payment is to be made, and (ii) pay applicable state and local income
taxes at the highest marginal rate of taxation for the calendar year in which
the Gross-Up Payment is to be made, net of the maximum reduction in federal
income taxes which could be obtained from deduction of such state and local
taxes.

               b. Subject to the provisions of paragraph (c) of this Section
5.7, all determinations required to be made under this Section 5.7, including
whether and when a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such
Gross-Up Payment and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such
determination, shall be made by Arthur Andersen (the "Accounting Firm") which
shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and the
Executive within 15 business days of the receipt of notice from the Executive
that there has been a Payment, or such earlier time as is requested by the
Company. In the event that the Accounting Firm is serving as accountant or
auditor for the individual, entity or group effecting the Change of Control,
the Executive shall appoint another nationally recognized accounting firm to
make the determinations required hereunder (which accounting firm shall then
be referred to as the Accounting Firm hereunder). All fees and expenses of the
Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the Company. Any Gross-Up Payment, as
determined pursuant to this Section 5.7, shall be paid by the Company to the
Executive within five days of the receipt of the Accounting Firm's
determination. If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable
by the Executive, it shall furnish the Executive with a written opinion that
failure to report the Excise Tax on the Executive's applicable federal income
tax return would not result in the imposition of a negligence or similar
penalty. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the
Company and the Executive. As a result of the uncertainty in the application
of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the
Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will
not have been made by the Company should have been made ("Underpayment"),
consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event
that the Company exhausts its remedies pursuant to Section 5.7 and the
Executive thereafter is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, the
Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has
occurred and any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the

                                     -13-

<PAGE>

Company to or for the benefit of the Executive.

               c. The Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any
claim by the Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the
payment by the Company of the Gross-Up Payment. Such notification shall be
given as soon as practicable but no later than ten business days after the
Executive is informed in writing of such claim and shall apprise the Company
of the nature of such claim and the date on which such claim is requested to
be paid. The Executive shall not pay such claim prior to the expiration of the
30-day period following the date on which it gives such notice to the Company
(or such shorter period ending on the date that any payment of taxes with
respect to such claim is due). If the Company notifies the Executive in
writing prior to the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such
claim, the Executive shall:

                    (i) give the Company any information reasonably requested
by the Company relating to such claim,

                   (ii) take such action in connection with contesting such
claim as the Company shall reasonably request in writing from time to time,
including, without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to
such claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the Company,

                  (iii) cooperate with the Company in good faith in order
effectively to contest such claim, and

                   (iv) permit the Company to participate in any proceedings
relating to such claim; provided, however, that the Company shall bear and pay
directly all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties)
incurred in connection with such contest and shall indemnify and hold the
Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or income tax
(including interest and penalties with respect thereto) imposed as a result of
such representation and payment of costs and expenses. Without limitation on
the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.7(c), the Company shall control all
proceedings taken in connection with such contest and, at its sole option, may
pursue or forego any and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings and
conferences with the taxing authority in respect of such claim and may, at its
sole option, either direct the Executive to pay the tax claimed and sue for a
refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner, and the Executive
agrees to prosecute such contest to a determination before any administrative
tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more appellate
courts, as the Company shall determine; provided, however, that if the Company
directs the Executive to pay such claim and sue for a refund, the Company
shall advance the amount of such payment to the Executive, on an interest-free
basis and shall indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on an after-tax
basis, from any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest or penalties with
respect thereto) imposed with respect to such advance or with respect to any
imputed income with respect to such advance; and further provided that any
extension of the statute of limitations relating to payment of taxes for the
taxable year of the Executive with respect to which such contested amount is
claimed to be due is limited solely to such contested amount. Furthermore, the
Company's control of the contest shall be limited to issues with respect to
which a Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder and the Executive shall be
entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by
the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing

                                     -14-

<PAGE>

authority.

               d. If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced
by the Company pursuant to Section 5.7(c), the Executive becomes entitled to
receive any refund with respect to such claim, the Executive shall (subject to
the Company's complying with the requirements of Section 5.7(c)) promptly pay
to the Company the amount of such refund (together with any interest paid or
credited thereon after taxes applicable thereto). If, after the receipt by the
Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 5.7(c), a
determination is made that the Executive shall not be entitled to any refund
with respect to such claim and the Company does not notify the Executive in
writing of its intent to contest such denial of refund prior to the expiration
of 30 days after such determination, then such advance shall be forgiven and
shall not be required to be repaid and the amount of such advance shall
offset, to the extent thereof, the amount of Gross-Up Payment required to be
paid.

          5.8 Resignation. Upon any termination of employment pursuant to this
Article 5, the Executive shall be deemed to have resigned as an officer, and
if he or she was then serving as a director of Panamco, as a director, and if
required by the Board, the Executive hereby agrees to immediately execute a
resignation letter to the Board.

          5.9 Survival. The provisions of this Article 5 shall survive the
termination of this Agreement, as applicable.

     6.   Restrictive Covenants.

          6.1 Non-competition. At all times while the Executive is employed by
the Company and for a two (2) year period after the termination of the
Executive's employment with the Company for any reason other than by the
Company without Cause (as defined in Section 5.1 hereof) or by the Executive
for Good Reason (as defined in Section 5.5(d) hereof), the Executive shall
not, directly or indirectly, engage in or have any interest in any sole
proprietorship, partnership, corporation or business or any other person or
entity (whether as an employee, officer, director, partner, agent, security
holder, creditor, consultant or otherwise) that directly or indirectly (or
through any affiliated entity) engages in competition with the Company (for
this purpose, any business that engages in soft drink beverage distribution in
the territories of Panamco shall be deemed to be in competition with the
Company); provided that such provision shall not apply to the Executive's
ownership of Common Stock of Panamco or the acquisition by the Executive,
solely as an investment, of securities of any issuer that is registered under
Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and
that are listed or admitted for trading on any United States national
securities exchange or that are quoted on the National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System, or any similar system or
automated dissemination of quotations of securities prices in common use, so
long as the Executive does not control, acquire a controlling interest in or
become a member of a group which exercises direct or indirect control of, more
than five percent of any class of capital stock of such corporation.

          6.2 Nondisclosure. The Executive shall not at any time divulge,
communicate, use to the detriment of the Company or for the benefit of any
other person or persons, or misuse

                                     -15-

<PAGE>

in any way, any Confidential Information (as hereinafter defined) pertaining
to the business of the Company. Any Confidential Information or data now or
hereafter acquired by the Executive with respect to the business of the
Company (which shall include, but not be limited to, information concerning
the Company's financial condition, prospects, technology, customers,
suppliers, sources of leads and methods of doing business) shall be deemed a
valuable, special and unique asset of the Company that is received by the
Executive in confidence and as a fiduciary, and Executive shall remain a
fiduciary to the Company with respect to all of such information. For purposes
of this Agreement, "Confidential Information" means information disclosed to
the Executive or known by the Executive as a consequence of or through his
employment by the Company (including information conceived, originated,
discovered or developed by the Executive) prior to or after the date hereof,
and not generally known, about the Company or its business. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, nothing herein shall be deemed to restrict the Executive from
disclosing Confidential Information to the extent required by law.

          6.3 Nonsolicitation of Employees and Clients. At all times while the
Executive is employed by the Company and for a two (2) year period after the
termination of the Executive's employment with the Company for any reason, for
the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, for himself or for any other
person, firm, corporation, partnership, association or other entity (a) employ
or attempt to employ or enter into any contractual arrangement with any
employee or former employee of the Company, unless such employee or former
employee has not been employed by the Company for a period in excess of six
months, and/or (b) call on or solicit any of the actual or targeted
prospective clients of the Company on behalf of any person or entity in
connection with any business competitive with the business of the Company, nor
shall the Executive make known the names and addresses of such clients or any
information relating in any manner to the Company's trade or business
relationships with such customers, other than in connection with the
performance of Executive's duties under this Agreement.

          6.4 Books and Records. All books, records, and accounts relating in
any manner to the customers or clients of the Company, whether prepared by the
Executive or otherwise coming into the Executive's possession, shall be the
exclusive property of the Company and shall be returned immediately to the
Company on termination of the Executive's employment hereunder or on the
Company's request at any time.

          6.5 Definition of Company. Solely for purposes of this Article 6,
the term "Company" also shall include any existing or future subsidiaries or
affiliates of the Company that are operating during the time periods described
herein and any other entities that directly or indirectly, through one or more
intermediaries, control, are controlled by or are under common control with
the Company during the periods described herein.

          6.6 Acknowledgment by Executive. The Executive acknowledges and
confirms that (a) the restrictive covenants contained in this Article 6 are
reasonably necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of the
Company, and (b) the restrictions contained in this Article 6 (including
without limitation the length of the term of the provisions of this Article 6)
are not overbroad, overlong, or unfair and are not the result of overreaching,
duress or coercion of any kind. The Executive further acknowledges and
confirms that his full, uninhibited and faithful observance of each of the
covenants contained in this Article 6 will not cause him any undue

                                     -16-

<PAGE>

hardship, financial or otherwise, and that enforcement of each of the
covenants contained herein will not impair his ability to obtain employment
commensurate with his abilities and on terms fully acceptable to him or
otherwise to obtain income required for the comfortable support of him and his
family and the satisfaction of the needs of his creditors. The Executive
acknowledges and confirms that his special knowledge of the business of the
Company is such as would cause the Company serious injury or loss if he were
to use such ability and knowledge to the benefit of a competitor or were to
compete with the Company in violation of the terms of this Article 6. The
Executive further acknowledges that the restrictions contained in this Article
6 are intended to be, and shall be, for the benefit of and shall be
enforceable by, the Company's successors and assigns.

          6.7 Reformation by Court. In the event that a court of competent
jurisdiction shall determine that any provision of this Article 6 is invalid
or more restrictive than permitted under the governing law of such
jurisdiction, then only as to enforcement of this Article 6 within the
jurisdiction of such court, such provision shall be interpreted and enforced
as if it provided for the maximum restriction permitted under such governing
law.

          6.8 Extension of Time. If the Executive shall be in violation of any
provision of this Article 6, then each time limitation set forth in this
Article 6 shall be extended for a period of time equal to the period of time
during which such violation or violations occur. If the Company seeks
injunctive relief from such violation in any court, then the covenants set
forth in this Article 6 shall be extended for a period of time equal to the
pendency of such proceeding including all appeals by the Executive.

          6.9 Survival. The provisions of this Article 6 shall survive the
termination of this Agreement, as applicable.

     7.   Injunction. It is recognized and hereby acknowledged by the parties
hereto that a breach by the Executive of any of the covenants contained in
Article 6 of this Agreement will cause irreparable harm and damage to the
Company, the monetary amount of which may be virtually impossible to
ascertain. As a result, the Executive recognizes and hereby acknowledges that
the Company shall be entitled to an injunction from any court of competent
jurisdiction enjoining and restraining any violation of any or all of the
covenants contained in Article 6 of this Agreement by the Executive or any of
his affiliates, associates, partners or agents, either directly or indirectly,
and that such right to injunction shall be cumulative and in addition to
whatever other remedies the Company may possess.

     8.   Mediation. Except to the extent the Company has the right to seek an
injunction under Section 7 hereof, in the event a dispute arises out of or
relates to this Agreement, or the breach thereof, and if the dispute cannot be
settled through negotiation, the parties hereby agree first to attempt in good
faith to settle the dispute by mediation administered by the American
Arbitration Association under its Employment Mediation Rules before resorting
to litigation or some other dispute resolution procedure.

     9.   Arbitration. Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection
with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Miami-Dade
County, Florida, in accordance with the Rules of the American Arbitration
Association then in effect (except to the

                                     -17-

<PAGE>

extent that the procedures outlined below differ from such rules). Within
thirty (30) days after written notice by either party has been given that a
dispute exists and that arbitration is required, each party must select an
arbitrator and those two arbitrators shall promptly, but in no event later
than thirty (30) days after their selection, select a third arbitrator. The
parties agree to act as expeditiously as possible to select arbitrators and
conclude the dispute. The selected arbitrators must render their decision in
writing. The cost and expenses of the arbitration and of enforcement of any
award in any court shall be borne equally by both parties. If advances are
required, each party will advance one-half of the estimated fees and expenses
of the arbitrators. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrators' award in any
court having jurisdiction. Although arbitration is contemplated to resolve
disputes hereunder, either party may proceed to court to obtain an injunction
to protect its rights hereunder, the parties agreeing that either could suffer
irreparable harm by reason of any breach of this Agreement. Pursuit of an
injunction shall not impair arbitration on all remaining issues.

     10. Section 162(m) Limits. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement to the contrary, if and to the extent that any remuneration payable
by the Company to the Executive for any year would exceed the maximum amount
of remuneration that the Company may deduct for that year under Section 162(m)
("Section 162(m)") of the Code, payment of the portion of the remuneration for
that year that would not be so deductible under Section 162(m) shall, in the
sole discretion of the Board, be deferred and become payable at such time or
times as the Board determines that it first would be deductible by the Company
under Section 162(m), with interest at the "short-term applicable rate" as
such term is defined in Section 1274(d) of the Code. The limitation set forth
under this Section 10 shall not apply with respect to any amounts payable to
the Executive pursuant to Article 5 hereof.

     11.  Assignment. Neither party shall have the right to assign or delegate
his rights or obligations hereunder, or any portion thereof, to any other
person.

     12. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Florida.

     13.  Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and, upon
its effectiveness, shall supersede all prior agreements, understandings and
arrangements, both oral and written, between the Executive and the Company (or
any of its affiliates) with respect to such subject matter. This Agreement may
not be modified in any way unless by a written instrument signed by both the
Company and the Executive.

     14.  Notices: All notices required or permitted to be given hereunder
shall be in writing and shall be personally delivered by courier, sent by
registered or certified mail, return receipt requested or sent by confirmed
facsimile transmission addressed as set forth herein. Notices personally
delivered, sent by facsimile or sent by overnight courier shall be deemed
given on the date of delivery and notices mailed in accordance with the
foregoing shall be deemed given upon the earlier of receipt by the addressee,
as evidenced by the return receipt thereof, or three (3) days after deposit in
the U.S. mail. Notice shall be sent (i) if to the Company, addressed to 2665
Bayshore Drive, Suite 900, Miami, FLA 33133, Attention: Carlos Hernandez,
General Counsel,

                                     -18-

<PAGE>

and (ii) if to the Executive, to his address as reflected on the payroll
records of the Company, or to such other address as either party hereto may
from time to time give notice of to the other.

     15.  Benefits; Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be for the benefit of
and binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, personal
representatives, legal representatives, successors and, where applicable,
assigns, including, without limitation, any successor to the Company, whether
by merger, consolidation, sale of stock, sale of assets or otherwise.

     16.  Severability. The invalidity of any one or more of the words,
phrases, sentences, clauses or sections contained in this Agreement shall not
affect the enforceability of the remaining portions of this Agreement or any
part thereof, all of which are inserted conditionally on their being valid in
law, and, in the event that any one or more of the words, phrases, sentences,
clauses or sections contained in this Agreement shall be declared invalid,
this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid word or words, phrase or
phrases, sentence or sentences, clause or clauses, or section or sections had
not been inserted. If such invalidity is caused by length of time or size of
area, or both, the otherwise invalid provision will be considered to be
reduced to a period or area which would cure such invalidity.

     17.  Waivers. The waiver by either party hereto of a breach or violation
of any term or provision of this Agreement shall not operate nor be construed
as a waiver of any subsequent breach or violation.

     18.  Damages. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent the
Company or the Executive from seeking and recovering from the other damages
sustained by either or both of them as a result of its or his breach of any
term or provision of this Agreement. In the event that either party hereto
brings any action for the collection of any damages resulting from, or the
injunction of any action constituting, a breach of any of the terms or
provisions of this Agreement, then the party found to be at fault shall pay
all reasonable court costs and attorneys' fees of the other.

     19.  Section Headings. The section headings contained in this Agreement
are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.

     20. No Third Party Beneficiary. Nothing expressed or implied in this
Agreement is intended, or shall be construed, to confer upon or give any
person other than the Company, the parties hereto and their respective heirs,
personal representatives, legal representatives, successors and assigns, any
rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.

     21.  Indemnification.

               a. Subject to limitations imposed by law, the Company shall
indemnify and hold harmless the Executive to the fullest extent permitted by
law from and against any and all claims, damages, expenses (including
attorneys' fees), judgments, penalties, fines, settlements, and all other
liabilities incurred or paid by him in connection with the investigation,
defense, prosecution, settlement or appeal of any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative
or investigative and to which the Executive was or is a party or is threatened
to

                                     -19-

<PAGE>

be made a party by reason of the fact that the Executive is or was an officer,
employee or agent of the Company or any of its subsidiaries and affiliates, or
by reason of anything done or not done by the Executive in any such capacity
or capacities, provided that the Executive acted in good faith, in a manner
that was not grossly negligent or constituted willful misconduct and in a
manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of
the Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The Company also shall
pay any and all expenses (including attorney's fees) incurred by the Executive
as a result of the Executive being called as a witness in connection with any
matter involving the Company and/or any of its officers or directors.

               b. The Company shall pay any expenses (including attorneys'
fees), judgments, penalties, fines, settlements, and other liabilities
incurred by the Executive in investigating, defending, settling or appealing
any action, suit or proceeding described in this Section 21 in advance of the
final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding. The Company shall
promptly pay the amount of such expenses to the Executive, but in no event
later than 10 days following the Executive's delivery to the Company of a
written request for an advance pursuant to this Section 21, together with a
reasonable accounting of such expenses.

               c. The Executive hereby undertakes and agrees to repay to the
Company any advances made pursuant to this Section 21 if and to the extent
that it shall ultimately be found that the Executive is not entitled to be
indemnified by the Company for such amounts.

               d. The Company shall make the advances contemplated by this
Section 21 regardless of the Executive's financial ability to make repayment,
and regardless whether indemnification of the Indemnitee by the Company will
ultimately be required. Any advances and undertakings to repay pursuant to
this Section 21 shall be unsecured and interest-free.

               e. The provisions of this Section 21 shall survive the
termination of this Agreement.

       IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the undersigned have executed this Agreement as
of the date first above written.

COMPANY:

PANAMCO LLC

By: /s/ Francisco Sanchez-Loaeza
    ---------------------------------
    Name:  Francisco Sanchez-Loaeza
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

                                     -20-

<PAGE>

EXECUTIVE:

    By: /s/ Carlos Hernandez Artigas
        -------------------------------
        Name: Carlos Hernandez ArtigasEXHIBIT 10.44

                    SEVERANCE AGREEMENT AND MUTUAL RELEASE

          This SEVERANCE AGREEMENT AND MUTUAL RELEASE (hereinafter,
"Agreement") is entered into by and between PANAMCO LLC, a limited liability
company organized under the laws of Delaware and d/b/a PANAMERICAN BEVERAGES
COMPANY in Florida (hereinafter, "PANAMCO"), and FRANCISCO SANCHEZ-LOAEZA
("SANCHEZ-LOAEZA").

          WHEREAS, SANCHEZ-LOAEZA is currently employed by PANAMCO and serves
in the capacity of its Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of
Directors of Panamerican Beverages, Inc.; and

          WHEREAS, the terms and conditions of SANCHEZ-LOAEZA's employment are
described in an Employment Agreement with PANAMCO dated September 24, 1999;
and

          WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to terminate the employment
agreement and to set forth in this Agreement the terms and conditions of
SANCHEZ-LOAEZA's termination and SANCHEZ-LOAEZA's release and waiver of any
and all claims that he has or could possibly have against PANAMCO in exchange
for the consideration described herein;

          NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

1. Execution of Agreement and Effective Date. SANCHEZ-LOAEZA and
PANAMCO agree that SANCHEZ-LOAEZA's employment by PANAMCO will terminate
effective 5:00 p.m. on October 5, 2000 (hereinafter, the "Termination Date").
SANCHEZ-LOAEZA understands that the waiver language set forth in Section 3 of
this Agreement is intended to encompass his entire period of employment with
PANAMCO and, therefore, SANCHEZ-LOAEZA agrees that he is not entitled to the
benefits set forth in Section 2 of this Agreement unless SANCHEZ-LOAEZA
executes this Agreement on or after his Termination Date. This Agreement will
become effective and enforceable on the eighth (8th) day after SANCHEZ-LOAEZA
signs the Agreement.

                                 Page 1 of 9

<PAGE>

2. Benefits. In consideration for SANCHEZ-LOAEZA's waiver of all
claims against PANAMCO, and the other promises made by SANCHEZ-LOAEZA
in this Agreement, PANAMCO agrees to provide the following to SANCHEZ-LOAEZA:

          A. Unpaid Base Salary Through Date of Termination. PANAMCO promises
to pay SANCHEZ-LOAEZA his regular base salary described in the Employment
Agreement up to and including the effective date of his termination, October
5, 2000. Said payment shall be made according to PANAMCO's normal payroll
practices.

          B. Lump Sum Severance Payment. Pursuant to Section 5.4 of the
Employment Agreement, PANAMCO promises to pay SANCHEZ-LOAEZA the gross amount
of Three Million, Six Hundred Eighty-One Thousand, Two Hundred Fifty Dollars
($3,681,250.00), less applicable tax deductions. Said amount represents the
equivalent of two and one-half (2.5) multiplied by SANCHEZ-LOAZA's base
salary, plus two and one-half (2.5) multiplied by SANCHEZ-LOAZA's target bonus
for year 2000. Such amount shall be paid in a single lump sum within thirty
(30) days after SANCHEZ-LOAEZA's Termination Date.

          C. Prorated Incentive Compensation Bonus for Bonus Period During
which the Termination Occurred. Pursuant to Section 5.4 of the Employment
Agreement, PANAMCO promises to pay SANCHEZ-LOAEZA a pro rata portion (from the
beginning of the Plan Year up to the Termination Date) of SANCHEZ-LOAEZA's
Incentive Compensation for the period during which the Termination Date
occurs. The amount of said payment shall be determined in accordance with the
terms of the Annual Incentive Plan and said payment is expected to be made on
or before March 15, 2001, according to PANAMCO's customary procedures for
paying bonuses under the Annual Incentive Plan.

          D. Benefit Programs. PANAMCO promises to continue to sponsor for
SANCHEZ-LOAZA the individual benefit programs described at Section 4.2 of the
Employment Agreement for the earlier of: (1) eighteen (18) months following
SANCHEZ-LOAEZA's Termination Date; or (2) the date SANCHEZ-LOAZA obtains a

                                 Page 2 of 9

<PAGE>

similar individual benefit through other employment. In the event that PANAMCO
is unable to provide SANCHEZ-LOAEZA with any individual benefit described at
Section 4.2 of the Employment Agreement by reason of the termination of
SANCHEZ-LOAEZA's employment, PANAMCO promises to pay SANCHEZ-LOAEZA an amount
of money equivalent to PANAMCO's pro rata cost of providing the benefit to
SANCHEZ-LOAEZA. PANAMCO acknowledges and agrees that SANCHEZ-LOAEZA is
currently receiving and is entitled to continue to receive life and health
insurance pursuant to the terms of the Panamco Mexican Pension Plan, and
nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to waive SANCHEZ-LOAEZA's
entitlement to said life and health insurance benefits.

          E. Relocation Expenses. PANAMCO promises to reimburse SANCHEZ-LOAEZA
for his reasonable moving or related expenses described
in Section 1.3 of the Employment Agreement if he relocates back to his home
country within one (1) year following the Termination Date.

          F. Vested Stock Options and Extension of Exercise Date.
SANCHEZ-LOAEZA will be vested on the Termination Date in any stock options
granted to him during the term of his Employment with PANAMCO. SANCHEZ-LOAEZA
agrees that, as of the Termination Date, he has been granted options to
purchase shares of PANAMCO common stock under PANAMCO's Equity Incentive Plan,
as amended. A schedule of the options granted to SANCHEZ-LOAEZA is attached
hereto as Appendix A and incorporated herein by reference. The normal
limitations period during which SANCHEZ-LOAEZA may exercise his stock options
is hereby extended up to and including the date that is two (2) years from
SANCHEZ-LOAEZA's Termination Date.

          G. Reasonable Business Expenses. PANAMCO promises to reimburse
SANCHEZ-LOAEZA for reasonable expenses paid or incurred by him in the course
of and pursuant to the business of PANAMCO. Such reimbursement shall occur as
soon as practicable after SANCHEZ-LOAEZA'S Termination Date.

          H. Accrued But Unused Vacation Day Compensation. PANAMCO promises to
pay SANCHEZ-LOAEZA the gross amount of Thirty-Eight Thousand, Two Hundred,
Nineteen Dollars ($38,219.00), less applicable tax deductions. The payment

                                 Page 3 of 9

<PAGE>

under this paragraph is intended to compensate SANCHEZ-LOAEZA for any accrued
but unused vacation days as of the Termination Date.

          SANCHEZ-LOAEZA understands and acknowledges that he would not
receive some of the benefits provided pursuant to this Paragraph 2 except for
his execution of this Agreement, his waiver of claims against PANAMCO, and the
fulfillment of the promises contained herein.

3. Mutual Release of Claims. For the purposes of this Paragraph 3, "PANAMCO"
shall  include  PANAMCO  LLC,  Panamerican  Beverages,  Inc.,  and any  parent
companies,  subsidiaries, related or affiliated entities, and their respective
owners, directors,  officers, agents, and employees.  SANCHEZ-LOAEZA knowingly
and voluntarily waives any and all known and unknown rights and claims that he
has or may have  against  PANAMCO  as of the date  SANCHEZ-LOAEZA  signs  this
Agreement, including but not limited to any claim(s) under:

         o    The National Labor Relations Act;
         o    Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964;
         o    Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code;
         o    The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974;
         o    The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986;
         o    The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990;
         o    The Fair Labor Standards Act;
         o    The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967;
         o    The Older Workers Benefit Protection Act;
         o    The Equal Pay Act of 1963;
         o    The Occupational Safety and Health Act;
         o    The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993;
         o    Any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law or
              any other federal, state or local law, regulation or ordinance;
              or
         o    Any public policy, contract, or common law claims, including
              any tort claims (e.g., negligent or intentional infliction

                                Page 4 of 9
<PAGE>

              of emotional distress, defamation, assault, battery, false
              imprisonment, wrongful termination, etc.) whether based on
              common law or otherwise.

          PANAMCO hereby knowingly and voluntarily waives any and all known
and unknown rights and claims that it has or may have against SANCHEZ-LOAEZA
(including his heirs, assigns, agents, and representatives) as of the date
PANAMCO signs this Agreement, including but not limited to any claim(s) under
any federal, state or local law regulation or ordinance or any public policy,
contract, or common law claims, including any tort claims.

          This waiver also bars any claim or demand for costs, fees, or other
expenses including attorney's fees incurred in connection with any of the
above-referenced claims. The listing of claims waived in this Section 3 is
intended to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. Thus, SANCHEZ-LOAEZA and
PANAMCO acknowledge and agree that this Agreement constitutes a full and final
bar to any and all claims of any type that they now have against each other.

4. Indemnification. PANAMCO agrees to continue to indemnify, defend,
and hold SANCHEZ-LOAEZA harmless for any claims asserted against
SANCHEZ-LOAEZA made by third parties regarding acts or omissions made by
SANCHEZ-LOAEZA while performing his duties for PANAMCO, but only to the extent
provided under the terms of PANAMCO's Directors and Officers Liability
Insurance Policy and any applicable provisions of PANAMCO's Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws. The parties acknowledge that SANCHEZ-LOAEZA is a
named insured under PANAMCO's Directors and Officers Liability Insurance
Policy by virtue of his former status as a director and officer of Panamerican
Beverages, Inc.

5. Cooperation. SANCHEZ-LOAEZA agrees to cooperate with PANAMCO in
effecting a smooth transition of the management of PANAMCO with respect to the
duties and responsibilities which SANCHEZ-LOAEZA performed for PANAMCO.
SANCHEZ-LOAEZA agrees to make himself reasonably available in connection with
any request by PANAMCO regarding prior business arrangements or pending
litigation or litigation which may arise in the future concerning matters of

                                 Page 5 of 9

<PAGE>

which were within the purview of SANCHEZ-LOAEZA's management responsibilities.

6. No Lawsuits. SANCHEZ-LOAEZA and PANAMCO promise not to institute
or have instituted on their behalf any lawsuit against each other based upon
any claim they are waiving in Section 3 above. This Agreement is not intended
to limit SANCHEZ-LOAEZA's or PANAMCO's right of access to any government
agency, nor SANCHEZ-LOAEZA's or PANAMCO's right to participate in any
investigation by any government agency. However, SANCHEZ-LOAEZA and PANAMCO
agree that, with respect to the claims they are waiving herein, they are
waiving not only their right to recover money or other relief in any action
that they might institute, but also that they are waiving their right to
recover money or other relief in any action that might be brought on their
behalf by any other person or entity, including but not limited to the United
States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other federal, state or
local governmental agency or department.

7. Restrictive Covenants. SANCHEZ-LOAEZA hereby adopts and reaffirms
the restrictive covenants described at Section 6 of the Employment Agreement,
including Subparagraphs 6.1 through 6.9 thereof, and agrees that those
covenants shall survive the termination of the Employment Agreement.
Additionally, SANCHEZ-LOAEZA agrees that the "Non-competition" covenant in
Section 6.1 of the Employment Agreement shall be enforceable against him under
the terms set forth in Section 6.1, but without regard to whether
SANCHEZ-LOAEZA was terminated "without Cause" and without regard to whether
SANCHEZ-LOAEZA terminated his employment "for Good Reason" as described in the
first sentence of Section 6.1 of the Employment Agreement.

8. Consequences of Breach. SANCHEZ-LOAEZA and PANAMCO agree that if they break
any of the promises they have made in this  Agreement,  the  prevailing  party
will be entitled to recover its  reasonable  attorney's  fees and costs in any
litigation or arbitration initiated to enforce this Agreement.

                                 Page 6 of 9

<PAGE>

9. Adequate Consideration. SANCHEZ-LOAEZA agrees that payment to him
of the money and benefits pursuant to Section 2 of this Agreement constitutes
adequate and ample consideration for the rights and claims he is waiving under
this Agreement and for the obligations imposed upon him by virtue of this
Agreement.

10. Non-Admission. SANCHEZ-LOAEZA agrees that neither this Agreement
nor the furnishing of the consideration for SANCHEZ-LOAEZA's waiver of claims
shall be deemed or construed at anytime for any purpose as an admission by
PANAMCO of any liability or unlawful conduct of any kind.

11. Governing Law and Interpretation. This Severance Agreement shall
be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
Florida. Its language shall be construed as whole, according to its fair
meaning, and not strictly for or against either party.

12. Severability. Should any provision of this Agreement be declared
illegal or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction and cannot be
modified to be enforceable, such provision shall immediately become null and
void, leaving the remainder of this in full force and effect. However, if any
portion of the waiver and general release language is determined to be
unenforceable for any reason due to actions taken by SANCHEZ-LOAEZA or due to
a challenge to this Agreement by SANCHEZ-LOAEZA, SANCHEZ-LOAEZA shall return
the consideration paid to him by PANAMCO pursuant to this Agreement.

13. Entire Agreement; Amendment. Except as expressly set forth
herein, this Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between PANAMCO and
SANCHEZ-LOAEZA and shall supersede any and all prior agreements or
understandings between the parties, except as otherwise stated herein. This
Agreement may not be amended except by a written agreement signed by the
parties.

14. Headings. Section headings are used herein for convenience of
reference only and shall not affect the meaning of any provision of this
Agreement.

                                 Page 7 of 9

<PAGE>

15. Disputes. In the event of a dispute as to the interpretation,
application or violation of this Agreement, it is understood and
agreed that such dispute shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration
in Miami-Dade County, Florida, pursuant to the rules of the American
Arbitration Association.

16. Time to Consider Signing Agreement/Right to Revoke.
SANCHEZ-LOAEZA acknowledges that he has been given at least twenty-one (21)
days after receipt of this Agreement to decide whether to sign this Agreement.
SANCHEZ-LOAEZA understands that he may revoke this Agreement within seven (7)
days following the day he executes this Agreement. Any revocation within that
period must be submitted, in writing, to Eugene A. Rostov, Esq., c/o Baker &
McKenzie, 1200 Brickell Avenue, Ste. 1900, Miami Florida 33131, and state, "I
hereby revoke the Severance Agreement and General Release." The revocation
must be personally delivered to Mr. Rostov within seven (7) days of execution
of this Agreement.

17. Encouragement to Consult Attorney. PANAMCO hereby encourages
SANCHEZ-LOAEZA to consult his attorney before signing this Agreement.
SANCHEZ-LOAEZA acknowledges that he has consulted his attorney before signing
this Agreement.

THE PARTIES HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD AND FULLY CONSIDERED THE SEVERANCE
AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE AND ARE MUTUALLY DESIROUS OF ENTERING INTO SUCH
SEVERANCE AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE. HAVING ELECTED TO EXECUTE THIS
SEVERANCE AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE, TO FULFILL THE PROMISES SET FORTH
HEREIN, AND TO RECEIVE THEREBY THE BENEFITS SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH 2 ABOVE,
SANCHEZ-LOAEZA FREELY AND KNOWINGLY, AND AFTER DUE CONSIDERATION, ENTERS INTO
THIS SEVERANCE AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE INTENDING TO WAIVE, SETTLE AND
RELEASE ALL CLAIMS HE HAS OR MIGHT HAVE AGAINST PANAMCO.

                                 Page 8 of 9

<PAGE>

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Severance
Agreement and General Release as of the date set forth below.

PANAMCO LLC                               FRANCISCO SANCHEZ-LOAEZA

By:    /s/ Carlos Hernandez Artigas         /s/ Francisco Sanchez-Loaeza
     ---------------------------------    -------------------------------
      Carlos Hernandez Artigas            FRANCISCO SANCHEZ-LOAEZA
      Vice President

Date:                                     Date:
       -------------------------------    -------------------------------

STATE OF FLORIDA                          STATE OF FLORIDA

COUNTY OF MIAMI-DADE                      COUNTY OF MIAMI-DADE

 The foregoing  instrument was executed     The foregoing instrument executed
before me this __ day of ____,  2000,     before me this __ day of  __,  2000,
by Carlos Hernandez Artigas, in his       by Francisco Sanchez-Loaeza  who is
capacity as Vice President of             personally  known  by me [or who has
PANAMCO LLC, who is personally known      produced ___________________ as
by me and who did not take an oath.       identification] and who took an oath.

------------------------------------      -------------------------------------
Notary Public                             Notary Public

------------------------------------      -------------------------------------
Type or Print Name of Notary              Type or Print Name of Notary

My Commission Expires:                    My Commission Expires:

                                 Page 9 of 9

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00023-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00023-of-00352.parquet"}]]