Monster and Corona Parent Near $85B Merger

Energy drink maker Monster Beverage is close to a merger with Constellation Brands that would create a company worth roughly $85 billion.

Monster, which has long allied itself with extreme sports and gaming communities, owns a suite of brands including Nos and the athlete-focused Reign. 

Constellation produces beer brands Corona and Modelo, which both have sponsorships in college sports. Constellation also has partnerships with the New York Giants, Jets, and Buffalo Bills. Modelo signed a deal with UFC in September for three years in the “low-eight figures.”

• Monster sponsors NFL star Rob Gronkowski, Mercedes’ Formula 1 duo Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, and athletes in UFC, bull riding, surfing, skateboarding, and other racing and watersports. 
• Reign’s athlete ambassadors include the New England Patriots’ Ronnie Perkins, as well as athletes in fitness and fighting sports. 

The companies are of approximately equal size, with Monster holding a market capitalization of $43.7 billion and Constellation $41 billion, as of Thursday.

Coca-Cola is a major investor in Monster, holding a nearly 20% stake.

Unique Mixture

While a combined company might have limited potential for new efficiencies — given that Monster and Constellation operate mostly in separate spaces — it would establish a conglomerate without an obvious comparison in the American market. 

In January, Monster bought Canarchy Craft Brewery for $330 million. Constellation has a 40% stake in Canadian cannabis company Canopy Growth Corp., which sells THC-infused beverages.