approximately $143 million received from the sale of a portion of our interest in Coca-Cola Amatil, and approximately $106 million in proceeds from the sale of real estate in Spain and in the United States. Refer to Note 19 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

In 2006, our Company acquired a controlling interest in CCCIL and acquired Apollinaris and TJC Holdings (Pty) Ltd., a South African bottling company ("TJC"). Refer to Note 20 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The remaining amount of cash used for acquisitions and investments was primarily related to the acquisition of various trademarks and brands, none of which was individually significant. 

Investing activities in 2006 also included proceeds of approximately $198 million received from the sale of shares in connection with the initial public offering of Coca- Cola Icecek and proceeds of approximately $427 million received from the sale of a portion of Coca-Cola FEMSA shares to FEMSA. Refer to Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Net purchases of property, plant and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 were approximately $1,839 million, $1,409 million and $1,295 million, respectively. These increases were primarily related to acquisitions of certain bottling operations in 2007 and 2006. Refer to Note 20 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Generally, bottling and finished product operations are more capital intensive compared to concentrate and syrup operations. Additionally, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations during 2008 also contributed to the increase in reported purchases of property, plant and equipment. Refer to the heading "Foreign Exchange," below. Our Company currently estimates that net purchases of property, plant and equipment in 2009 will be approximately $1.8 billion to $2.0 billion. 

Debt Financing 

Our Company maintains debt levels we consider prudent based on our cash flows, interest coverage ratio and percentage of debt to capital. We use debt financing to lower our overall cost of capital, which increases our return on shareowners' equity. This exposes us to adverse changes in interest rates. Our interest expense may also be affected by our credit ratings. 

As of December 31, 2008, our long-term debt was rated "A+" by Standard & Poor's and "Aa3" by Moody's, and our commercial paper program was rated "A-1" and "P-1" by Standard & Poor's and Moody's, respectively. In assessing our credit strength, both Standard & Poor's and Moody's consider our capital structure (including the amount and maturity dates of our debt) and financial policies as well as the aggregated balance sheet and other financial information for the Company and certain bottlers, including CCE and Coca-Cola Hellenic. While the Company has no legal obligation for the debt of these bottlers, the rating agencies believe the strategic importance of the bottlers to the Company's business model provides the Company with an incentive to keep these bottlers viable. It is our expectation that the credit rating agencies will continue using this methodology. If our credit ratings were to be downgraded as a result of