dps

Soda manufacturing company Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPS) is acquiring an 11.7% stake in sports drink startup BodyArmor for $20m.

BodyArmor, owned by BA Sports Nutrition was launched in 2012 by Mike Repole and Lance Collins and has been carried by DPS as an allied brand since 2013.

The drink that claims to contain no artificial colours and flavours is made with potassium-packed electrolytes, coconut water and vitamins and is sweetened with pure cane sugar.

Speaking about the transaction, DPS packaged beverages president Rodger Collins said: "We’ve been pleased with BodyArmor’s growth over the past two years and believe it has strong potential as a premium sports drink.

"It’s already a great part of our allied brand portfolio, it has a management team with the experience and passion to succeed, and we’re looking forward to contributing to that growth and success over the long term."

Apart from BodyArmor, DPS also carries other brands in its portfolio of third party allied brands including Big Red, FIJI Water, Vita Coco, Bai Brands, Neuro beverages, SunnyD and Hydrive energy drinks.

BodyArmor co-founder and chairman Repole said: "We are very excited about the investment by Dr Pepper Snapple Group.

"Through our partnership with DPS, we are continuing to gain distribution throughout the United States, and we are on our way to becoming a national brand. BodyArmor has tremendous momentum, and the strength of the DPS organization and its system will continue to fuel our amazing growth for years to come."

Image: Dr Pepper Snapple has acquired a stake in BodyArmor that is available in seven flavors. Photo: courtesy of Dr Pepper Snapple Group.