ST. LOUIS, MO – Anheuser-Busch, a leading American manufacturer and maker of Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Cutwater Spirits and NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, today announced plans to acquire a majority stake in BeatBox, a rising star in the ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage category that is known for its bold, fruit-forward “Party Punch” flavors.
The transaction adds a world-class brand to A-B’s fast-growing Beyond Beer portfolio, which already includes Cutwater Spirits, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer and Phorm Energy. As a top 10 RTD brand in the industry, BeatBox complements A-B's Beyond Beer portfolio and brings flavors and styles that are incremental to the company’s current RTD offerings.
Brendan Whitworth, CEO, Anheuser-Busch said: “We could not be more excited to welcome BeatBox, one of the fastest-growing RTD brands in the industry, to our portfolio. I have spent the past year getting to know Justin and the team at BeatBox, and I’m confident that their entrepreneurial spirit, their commitment to consistent innovation, and their ability to connect with their consumers will be a strong complement to our existing team and capabilities. We have a proven playbook for building winning brands, and I look forward to partnering with BeatBox and embarking on their next chapter of dynamic growth together.”
Justin Fenchel, Co-Founder and CEO, BeatBox said: “When we started BeatBox in 2011, we could never have imagined the journey that lay ahead. We’ve been so fortunate to build something that truly resonates with people, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way. Our long-standing relationships with the Anheuser-Busch team made this partnership feel like the right next step. With Anheuser-Busch behind us, Aimy, Brad and I are excited for the chance to accelerate our growth and continue doing what we love for years to come – bringing people together and making the world more fun!”
Anheuser-Busch is acquiring 85% of BeatBox for a purchase price of up to approximately $490 million with a path to 100% ownership after five years based on a predetermined pricing formula. This transaction is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, and it is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.
ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH
At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. For more than 165 years as a leading American manufacturer, we have delivered a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. As the nation’s top brewer, one of the fastest growing spirits companies, and an insurgent force in energy drinks, we drive economic prosperity nationwide through investments in our people, facilities, and communities. We are the only alcohol company that invests in the U.S. at this scale.
We are home to the nation’s most iconic beers, ready-to-drink spirits and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA – America’s #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer – Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, Cutwater Spirits, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, industry-leading craft beers and non-alcohol beers like Michelob ULTRA Zero. We are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and to the 65,000 hardworking Americans who bring our products to life. That’s who we are. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.
ABOUT BEATBOX
BeatBox is more than a party favorite – it's a category disruptor redefining the alcohol industry. Founded in 2011 as an MBA project at UT Austin, BeatBox gained national attention in 2014 after a game-changing appearance on Shark Tank. Today, the 'Original Party Punch' is sold in all 50 states and available at over 140,000 retail locations nationwide. As one of the fastest-growing ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages in the United States, BeatBox offers more than 13 bold and nostalgic flavors served in its signature resealable packaging. Ranked as the #1 RTD alcohol brand in convenience stores for 2024, BeatBox combines innovation, philanthropy, a passion for live music, and a thriving community of superfans to deliver fun, flavor-packed energy with every sip. According to Circana, in the 52 weeks through November 23, 2025, BeatBox has sold over $340 million in retail sales in total U.S. MULC+ channels, which represents a growth rate of more than 50% year-over-year. Learn more at https://beatboxbeverages.com/ and follow on Instagram.
