Before Kobe Bryant tragically passed away in 2020, spectators were discussing the NBA player’s acute business acumen when he wisely invested in sports drink company Bodyarmor.
At the time, sources reported that the investment could have earned Bryant nearly half a billion dollars. Now, almost two years later, Coca-Cola is following through on a deal to acquire the company, setting up Kobe Bryant’s estate to receive an estimated $400 million.
Founded in 2011 by Mike Repole, co-founder of brands such as Smartwater and VitaminWater, and Lance Collins, founder of NOS Energy and Fuze beverages, in Queens, New York, Coca-Cola first invested in Bodyarmor in 2018 obtaining a 15% stake in the company.
It wasn’t until 2021 that the beverage company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia gained a full controlling interest in Bodyarmor at a price of $5.6 billion.
Besides Coca-Cola’s investment, Bryant, who invested in Bodyarmor in its infancy, was the third largest investor in the fast-growing drink company.
Repole will stay involved to manage future business strategy for Bodyarmor and is interested in joining the board.
