Did Bethenny Sell Skinnygirl

Did Bethenny Sell Skinnygirl

Bethenny Frankel sold a majority stake in Skinnygirl to the spirits company Beam Suntory in 2021, with the deal valued at over $100 million. The transaction included the Skinnygirl Cocktails brand and related intellectual property, while Frankel retained some involvement as a strategic partner and brand ambassador. The sale was part of a broader trend of celebrity founders exiting or scaling back direct control of their brands. For background on Frankel's business trajectory, see her profile on Forbes.

The Skinnygirl brand was originally founded by Bethenny Frankel in 2011 as a low-calorie cocktail line. It expanded into a broader lifestyle and wellness brand encompassing beverages, snacks, and apparel. The brand gained significant retail distribution and media attention, becoming synonymous with Frankel's personal brand. The sale to Beam Suntory marked a major liquidity event for Frankel and positioned Skinnygirl within a larger global spirits portfolio.

Skinnygirl Sale Details and Current Ownership

Beam Suntory, a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings, acquired Skinnygirl as part of its portfolio expansion into ready-to-drink cocktails. The financial terms were not fully disclosed, but industry estimates placed the deal in the range of $100 million or more. Post-sale, Frankel transitioned to a brand ambassador and advisory role, while Beam Suntory assumed full operational and marketing control of the Skinnygirl line. The deal structure is similar to other celebrity brand acquisitions, such as those covered by the SEC regarding public company acquisitions and disclosures.

As of the latest available public data, Beam Suntory owns and operates the Skinnygirl Cocktails brand. Bethenny Frankel no longer holds a controlling ownership stake in the business. The brand continues to be sold in retail channels and maintains a visible marketing presence, though it operates under the parent company's portfolio strategy. The Skinnygirl brand is now part of a larger portfolio of RTD and spirit brands managed by Beam Suntory.

Bethenny Frankel Business Profile After Skinnygirl

Following the Skinnygirl sale, Bethenny Frankel focused on other ventures, including her media company, reality television projects, and real estate investments. She has continued to leverage her personal brand for licensing deals and public appearances. Frankel's post-sale business activities are documented in various business profiles and interviews, including coverage on Forbes.

The Skinnygirl sale is often cited as a case study in celebrity brand monetization and exit strategies. The deal highlights the value of early-stage lifestyle brands and the role of large corporate acquirers in scaling them. For broader context on brand valuation and acquisition trends, see resources on business acquisitions and brand equity from established financial sources.