Dr Pepper Snapple Group Increases Investment In BODYARMOR

PLANO, Texas, April 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc., DPS announced today that it has increased its equity investment in BA Sports Nutrition, makers of BODYARMOR, a line of premium sports drinks. The additional $6 million stake builds on the initial $20 million investment announced in August 2015 and raises DPS's ownership position from 11.7 percent to 15.5 percent.

DPS has carried BODYARMOR as an allied brand since 2013 and this year has expanded distribution of the brand throughout its packaged beverages direct store delivery footprint, which serves 34 states, helping BODYARMOR to achieve national distribution. BODYARMOR has a growing roster of independent distributors in areas not served by DPS's network.

"BODYARMOR has been a winning addition to our allied brand lineup, enabling us to build our presence in the growing sports drink category with a great tasting and differentiated product," said Rodger Collins, DPS president of packaged beverages. "We're very pleased to be increasing our investment in BODYARMOR while working closely with its strong management team to win more fans in more places in the coming months and years."

BODYARMOR is a premium sports drink with potassium-packed electrolytes, coconut water and vitamins. BODYARMOR contains natural sweeteners, natural flavors and no artificial colors and is now available in eight great-tasting flavors. The brand was launched in 2012 and is led by chairman and co-founder, Mike Repole.  In 2013, basketball superstar Kobe Bryant became a significant investor in the company, and earlier this year, BODYARMOR launched its eighth flavor, Blackout Berry, inspired by Bryant. BODYARMOR also has an impressive roster of superstar athletes who are investors in the brand, such as Andrew Luck, Mike Trout, James Harden, Richard Sherman, Dez Bryant, Buster Posey and Skylar Diggins.

With its increased stake in the BODYARMOR business, DPS is the second-largest equity holder in the brand, behind Repole.

"BODYARMOR has revolutionized the sports drink category by creating a premium, better-for-you sports drink, and consumers are connecting with it," said Mike Repole, chairman and co-founder, BODYARMOR. "We are excited by our strong growth and our continued partnership with DPS, who shares our goal to become the No. 1 sports drink."

The agreement was finalized in March and will not have a material impact on DPS's financial statements.

About Dr Pepper Snapple Group
Dr Pepper Snapple Group DPS is a leading producer of flavored beverages in North America and the Caribbean. Our success is fueled by more than 50 brands that are synonymous with refreshment, fun and flavor. We have 6 of the top 10 non-cola soft drinks, and 13 of our 14 leading brands are No. 1 or No. 2 in their flavor categories. In addition to our flagship Dr Pepper and Snapple brands, our portfolio includes 7UP, A&W, Canada Dry, Clamato, Crush, Hawaiian Punch, Mott's, Mr & Mrs T mixers, Peñafiel, Rose's, Schweppes, Squirt and Sunkist soda. To learn more about our iconic brands and Plano, Texas-based company, please visit www.DrPepperSnapple.com. For our latest news and updates, follow us at www.Facebook.com/DrPepperSnapple or www.Twitter.com/DrPepperSnapple.

About BODYARMOR
BODYARMOR SuperDrink® is a premium sports drink that provides superior hydration. It contains no artificial colors or flavors and is made with potassium-packed electrolytes and vitamins and made with coconut water. Created by co-founders Mike Repole and Lance Collins, BODYARMOR is available in eight great-tasting flavors and is the drink of choice for athletes, having assembled an impressive team of young, superstar athletes such as Andrew Luck, Mike Trout, James Harden, Richard Sherman, Buster Posey, Dez Bryant, Klay Thompson and Skylar Diggins. In 2013, Kobe Bryant became a significant shareholder in the company. For more information please visit www.drinkbodyarmor.com and follow us at @drinkbodyarmor.com or www.facebook.com/drinkbodyarmor

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SOURCE Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.