Energy drink marketer Glacéau is believed to be preparing to go public in a move that could spark a possible takeover by a major player among beverage makers, according to
Brandweek. The
company, which markets Vitaminwater, has long been the subject of takeover rumors. Coca-Cola is most closely aligned with rumors, since it's being pressured by Wall Street to bolster its
non-carbonated beverage portfolio. Bill Pecoriello, Morgan Stanley's beverage analyst, wrote in July: "Coke might have to more aggressively acquire or license brand platforms. One of the issues is
that Coke doesn't have a strong track record with internal innovation in noncarb segments. Licensing or acquiring a trademark or acquiring a brand is commonplace to fill portfolio gaps. In the case of
the vitamin water segment, Coke might have to acquire." However, Glacéau President Mike Repole says reports of the company going public are premature. "We're privately held. We're making money,
and we're having fun." He says an IPO is not in the cards right now. It could be in the future, if that's the route Glacéau decides to take. "I can't tell you we don't have investment bankers
calling us." Sources told
Brandweek that Glacéau's asking price has been too high in the past, and rumblings of an IPO are designed to force bidders' hands.
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