DPS invests in Bodyarmor SuperDrink owner

PLANO, Texas — Dr Pepper Snapple Group is getting into sports drinks. DPS announced Wednesday that it had invested $20 million in BA Sports Nutrition, giving it an 11.7% stake in the company, which owns premium sports drink line Bodyarmor Superdrink. 

 

The plan is to expand the product — which it has carried as an allied brand in its direct store delivery since 2013 — further into its system.

 

“We've been pleased with BODYARMOR's growth over the past two years and believe it has strong potential as a premium sports drink,” said Rodger Collins, DPS president of packaged beverages. “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.”

 

Bodyarmor was launched in 2012 by Mike Repole and Lance Collins, and landed Kobe Bryant as a significant investor in 2013. It has potassium-packed electrolytes, coconut water and vitamins, and is sweetened with cane sugar. It comes in seven flavors. 

 

“We are very excited about the investment by Dr Pepper Snapple Group," Repole said. “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.”