US brewer and soda maker Sprecher Brewing Co. has snapped up a stake in local sports-drinks business O2 Hydration.
The deal, struck for an undisclosed sum, marks Sprecher Brewing’s latest move to broaden its interests into different types of beverages.
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In January, the Wisconsin-based company expanded into the energy-drinks market with its purchase of US firm Juvee.
Ohio-based O2 Hydration, set up in 2014, markets a range of flavoured sports drinks and a peach-pear hydration mix in a sachet.
In a post on LinkedIn, O2 Hydration founder and CEO David Colina said he was “beyond excited” at the deal, which he described as “a huge step forward” for his company. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Colina said: “Sprecher will begin producing and distributing O2 throughout the country, introducing our sports drinks to a massive audience thirsty for a change.
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By GlobalData“Both O2 and Sprecher are dedicated to offering healthier alternatives. Sprecher’s growth – over 300% increase in sales since 2020 – shows their capability and commitment to excellence and their investment in O2 illustrates their dedication to better-for-you products.”
Colina did not give detailed figures on Sprecher Brewing’s sales.
Sprecher Brewing, founded in 1985, markets a range of beers, root beer and sodas.
Alongside its namesake products, the company owns the five soda brands Green River, WBC and Black Bear, Caruso, and Olde Brooklyn.
In October last year, the group purchased the sugar-free lemonade brand Ooh La Lemin Lemonade from Kona Gold Beverage.
Sprecher Brewing was acquired by CEO Sharad Chadha and a group of Milwaukee-based investors in 2020.
Just Drinks has approached Sprecher Brewing for comment on the investment in O2 Hydration.
