BodyArmor, a sports drink brand partly owned by Coca-Cola, has been fully acquired.
Coke said on Monday that it has paid $5.6 billion for the remaining 85% of BodyArmor. Coke initially purchased a 15% interest in BodyArmor in 2018.
BodyArmor acquired access to Coke’s vast distribution network as a result of that initial investment. BodyArmor is currently the No. 2 sports drink brand, behind Gatorade, which is owned by Coke’s main competitor, PepsiCo, according to Coke.
BodyArmor was formed ten years ago by the same individuals who created SmartWater and Fuze Beverage. Kobe Bryant, the NBA’s best player, was an early investor.
BodyArmor will be managed as a distinct business by Atlanta-based Coke, which will remain based in New York.
