AB InBev in talks to acquire BeatBox Beverages for US$700M
The brewer is negotiating a major acquisition as it seeks to strengthen its ready-to-drink portfolio and youth-market reach.
USA – Anheuser-Busch InBev is reportedly in negotiations to acquire BeatBox Beverages, the fast-growing producer of alcoholic punch and tea drinks, for about US$700 million, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
The potential deal would mark a significant expansion in AB InBev’s ready-to-drink (RTD) offerings as the company targets younger legal-age consumers.
BeatBox, founded in 2011, has built a strong identity around its brightly colored, screw-cap Tetra-Pak cartons. Backed early by investor Mark Cuban, the Austin-based beverage maker is expected to reach US$175 million in revenue this year.
Its rapid growth has been fueled by strong engagement at music festivals and on social media, positioning the brand as a favorite among younger adult drinkers.
The company’s sales trajectory has accelerated sharply in recent years. BeatBox sold 380,000 cases in 2020, nearly 2 million cases in 2022, and is projected to surpass 12 million cases by the end of 2025, according to Beer Business Daily.
The acquisition would broaden AB InBev’s RTD lineup, which already includes established brands such as Cutwater canned cocktails and Nütrl vodka seltzers.
Beyond the potential acquisition, AB InBev is also pursuing a major sponsorship opportunity. The brewer is in discussions with UEFA to become a global partner for the organisation’s men’s club competitions from 2027 to 2033.
If completed, AB InBev would replace Heineken, which has been associated with UEFA club tournaments since the early 1990s. Reports suggest AB InBev’s annual bid could reach US$230 million, significantly higher than Heineken’s most recent deal valued at about US$128 million per year.
The agreement would cover key competitions including the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, and the UEFA Super Cup.
The discussions come as AB InBev posted modest third-quarter financial results. Revenue rose 0.9% to approximately US$13.22 billion, supported by continued momentum across its major brands and increased consumer interest in non-alcoholic beverages.
Profit grew by 2% to US$7.42 billion, while normalized EBITDA increased by 3.3% to US$4.87 billion.
However, overall volumes declined 3.7% during the period, with beer volumes falling 3.9% and non-beer categories decreasing 2.2%. The company attributed the declines to weaker performance in China and adverse weather conditions in Brazil.
Looking ahead, AB InBev maintained its expectation for full-year EBITDA growth between 4% and 8%, aligning with its medium-term outlook.
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