PepsiCo Inc is nearing a deal to acquire sparkling probiotic U.S. drinks company KeVita, people familiar with the matter said on Thursday, in the latest push by the carbonated beverage giant to diversify its soft drinks business.
The deal would be PepsiCo’s first outright acquisitionthrough its venture arm dubbed Naked Emerging Brands, whose mission is to expand the company’s portfolio of sugary drinks by developing brands that appeal to health-conscious consumers.
