PepsiCo’s New Rockstar Lifestyle
After-tax, the mom and son duo behind the original 16-ounce energy drink brand, Rockstar, will walk away with $3-billion-dollars. Hard hats on, investors! PepsiCo is planning a full-on buyout by mid-year!
Energy drinks are becoming increasingly important to the rivalry between PepsiCo and Coca-Cola as consumers shun traditional, sugar-rich sodas for something with a caffeine kick.
The can-‘o-pop contest just got a little extra fizz and pop as well, Rockstar no longer sitting in the store cooler as an independent. PepsiCo and Coca-Cola are arming themselves for battle against each other and market leader Red Bull, and they’re doing it by acquiring as many smaller players as possible.
It’s consolidation, and now that Vegas-based Rockstar is off the table, investors think Monster Beverage will be the next target. Coca-Cola already owns 18% of it, but the two companies recently fell out as Coca-Cola abruptly released its own zesty pick-me-up, Coke Energy.
Shares in Monster would rocket on news of the acquisition, by either consumer goods giant. That’s because the agreed price would be higher than the current market price. PepsiCo and Coca-Cola shares would fall, probably, as they expend billions to invest in something that inherently carries risk.
Which side of the wager are you positioning yourself?