Unilever has signed an agreement to acquire Liquid I.V., a US-based health-science nutrition and wellness company.

WHO: Based in El Segundo, California, Liquid I.V. was founded in 2012 by entrepreneur Brandin Cohen. Liquid I.V.’s electrolyte drink utilizes Cellular Transport Technology (CTT), which enhances the rapid absorption of water and other key nutrients into the bloodstream, helping people feel better, faster. Based on the World Health Organization’s guidelines for the clinically proven Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), which prevents and treats dehydration, one serving of Liquid I.V. can provide up to 2–3 times the hydration of water alone. Liquid I.V. provides a 360-degree approach to wellness with a product range that includes Hydration, Energy, and Sleep.

Dutch conglomerate Unilever PLC was incorporated on June 21, 1894. The company’s segments include personal care, food, home care, and refreshments. The company operates in more than 100 countries, selling its products in more than 190 countries. Unilever owns more than 400 brands including 11 “billion-dollar brands.”

IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Fabian Garcia, President of Unilever North America, said, “Liquid I.V. is an impressive and innovative brand in the fast-growing health, wellness and personal nutrition space. Liquid I.V. shares Unilever’s purpose to improve people’s health and wellbeing, as well as our ambition to create sustainable products that have a positive social impact. We are delighted to welcome Liquid I.V. to Unilever’s portfolio of purpose-driven brands.”

Brandin Cohen, Liquid I.V. founder and CEO, stated, “We are excited to work together with Unilever to scale the brand and amplify Liquid I.V.’s mission to help people everywhere live better lives—to optimize the body, hydrate those in need, and better the planet.”

DETAILS:

• Unilever has signed an agreement to acquire Liquid I.V., a U.S-based health-science nutrition and wellness company. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
• According to Forbes, the company claims it drove $100 million in revenue within its first five years on the market.
• As part of their 1 to1 Giveback Mission to Change the World, Liquid I.V. has donated over 5MM servings to people in need around the globe.
• Liquid I.V. can be found in more than 30,000 stores across the country, including the world’s leading specialty, big-box, and online retailers like Costco, Target, Whole Foods Market, Amazon, CVS, Walgreens, Albertsons, and many more.
• Liquid I.V. will continue to be based in El Segundo, California, and led by founder Brandin Cohen, who will remain as Chief Executive Officer.
• In 2019 the brand raised $5 million in what it called its CTW (Change the World) Partner Round, a small exclusive strategic round post Series B.
• In August 2018 the business closed a $5 million Series B funding led by CircleUp Growth Partners with participation from TQ Ventures, a group led by SB Projects Founder and entrepreneur Scooter Braun; international music producer Kygo and his influential manager, Myles Shear; and Washington Nationals centerfielder Adam Eaton.
• Liquid I.V.’s growth and mission have garnered the attention and financial backing of industry titans including Demi Lovato, Kevin Hart, Kendall Jenner, Hailey and Justin Bieber, James Corden, Gary Vaynerchuk, Serena Ventures, Usher, DJ Khaled, Steve Aoki, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver, Yes Theory, Freddy Wexler, Jake Kassan, Elle and Ross Walker, and Moiz Ali.
• William Hood & Company William Hood & Company served as exclusive financial advisor to Liquid I.V.