AB InBev set to acquire energy drinks firm Hiball

21 Jul 2017 --- Anheuser Busch InBev (AB InBev) has announced the acquisition of Hiball, a San Francisco-based producer of energy drinks and owner of the Alta Palla brand of organic sparkling juices and sparkling waters.

The transaction, the terms of which were not disclosed, is expected to close in the third quarter.

The acquisition marks another step into the non-alcoholic drinks sector for AB InBev, which already produces Teavana tea in partnership with Starbucks.

AB InBev said in May it planned to invest US$2 billion in the United States through 2020 into both breweries and soft drinks.

"Hiball's products target some of the most important trends in the beverage space today, including health and wellness," the company recently said in a statement.

AB InBev said it planned a phased transition of the Hiball Energy and Alta Palla brands to its wholesaler partners.