As a result, the settlement had no impact on our consolidated statement of cash flows. 

Cash flows from operating activities increased $1,193 million, or 20 percent, in 2007 compared to 2006. This increase was primarily related to increased cash receipts from customers in 2007, which was driven by a 20 percent rise in net operating revenues. These higher cash collections were offset in part by increased payments to suppliers and vendors in 2007, primarily related to the increased cost of goods sold to support the higher sales volumes, and secondarily related to higher cash payments for selling, general and administrative related costs. Cash flows from operating activities in 2007 were also reduced due to an increase in interest payments of $193 million and an increase in cash payments for streamlining initiatives of $83 million. Cash flows from operating activities in 2006 included the impact of increased tax payments made related to repatriation of foreign earnings under The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, a contribution of approximately $216 million to a U.S. Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association ("VEBA"), a tax-qualified trust to fund retiree medical benefits and a $100 million donation made to The Coca-Cola Foundation. Refer to Note 16 and Note 19 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the contribution to a VEBA. 

Cash used in investing activities included acquisitions and investments of approximately $759 million in 2008, $5,653 million in 2007 and $901 million in 2006. 

In 2008, the Company's acquisition and investment activities included the acquisition of brands and licenses in Denmark and Finland from Carlsberg for approximately $225 million. None of the other acquisitions during 2008 was individually significant. Refer to Note 20 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Investing activities during 2008 also included proceeds of approximately $275 million, net of the cash balance as of the disposal date, related to the sale of Remil to Coca- Cola FEMSA. Refer to Note 3 and Note 19 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

In 2007, our Company acquired glacéau, 18 German bottling and distribution operations, Fuze Beverage, LLC ("Fuze") and Leao Junior. Our Company also completed the acquisition of the remaining 65 percent of the shares of capital stock of CCBPI not previously owned by our Company. In addition, the Company acquired a 50 percent interest in Jugos del Valle, a 34 percent interest in Tokyo Coca-Cola Bottling Company ("Tokyo CCBC") and an 11 percent interest in NORSA. 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 2007 also included proceeds of approximately $238 million received from the sale of our 49 percent equity interest in Vonpar, 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