AB InBev ‘close to BeatBox buy’

Group 1 - Anheuser-Busch InBev is reportedly close to acquiring BeatBox Beverages, valuing the company at approximately $700 million, with a deal potentially imminent if negotiations proceed smoothly [1] - BeatBox, established in 2012, distributes its products across all 50 states in the US, with over 120,000 retail locations, and offers a portfolio of 20 SKUs including flavors like Blue Razzberry and Orange Blast [2] - BeatBox's parent company, Future Proof, plans to launch a new RTD flavored malt drinks brand called Chillitas in the US starting March next year [3] Group 2 - AB InBev has been diversifying its business beyond beer, recently partnering with 1st Phorm to launch an energy drink brand, Phorm Energy [4] - The company has also introduced new products in the RTD segment, including the vodka ice-tea brand Skimmers and Nütrl Vodka Seltzer, expanding its presence in the spirits market since acquiring Cutwater Spirits in 2019 [5]