Anheuser-Busch acquires Hiball
Anheuser-Busch (A-B) has announced its acquisition of Hiball, maker of organic energy drinks and sparkling energy waters, as well as Alta Palla (“high ball” in Italian), a brand of organic sparkling juices and sparkling waters.
Anheuser-Busch (A-B) has announced its acquisition of Hiball, maker of organic energy drinks and sparkling energy waters, as well as Alta Palla (“high ball” in Italian), a brand of organic sparkling juices and sparkling waters. Hiball’s success in the energy and sparkling water categories will further deepen A-B’s investments in the no-alcohol sector. Hiball Energy and Alta Palla, Hiball’s two signature brands, will benefit from Anheuser-Busch’s brand-building experience, its wholesaler network, and its operational expertise.
“Todd, Alyssa, Dan, and the entire Hiball team have created an incredible business, developing some of the fastest-growing brands in the beverage industry and giving their loyal consumers the choices they love,” said João Castro Neves, president and CEO, Anheuser-Busch. “We are very happy to partner with these three entrepreneurs and invest to help them achieve their dreams.”
Hiball was formed in 2005 when its founder and president, Todd Berardi, began selling the company’s signature energy drinks out of the back of his car. The company, which now has 20 employees, continues to aspire to reach an expanding audience of people who want quality ingredients. Following the close of the acquisition, Berardi, his wife Alyssa Warnock, Hiball’s creative director and designer who designed all the branding and packaging, and Dan Craytor, vice president of business development, will continue to lead and manage the business.
A-B and Hiball expect to close this transaction in the third quarter of this year. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.