What 50 Cent Sold and to Whom
50 Cent sold a stake in VitaminWater through his company G-Unit Film & Television Inc. to Coca-Cola in 2007. The deal centered on the Glaceau brand, which produces VitaminWater, Smartwater, and Core Power. Forbes reported the transaction value at about $100 million, with additional earnouts tied to brand performance. Forbes details the deal structure.
Glaceau LLC was the operating entity behind VitaminWater at the time of the sale. Coca-Cola acquired Glaceau as part of its broader push into enhanced and functional beverages. The acquisition gave Coca-Cola control of the VitaminWater trademark, distribution, and bottling partnerships. SEC filings confirm the transaction.
How Much 50 Cent Earned from the VitaminWater Sale
Initial reports valued the deal at $100 million, but later disclosures showed additional contingent payments. 50 Cent stated in interviews that he received roughly $100 million upfront from Coca-Cola for his Glaceau stake. Forbes noted that the final payout depended on VitaminWater sales targets and brand milestones. Forbes breaks down the payout.
The deal is often cited as one of the most profitable celebrity beverage exits. VitaminWater grew into a multibillion-dollar category within Coca-Cola's portfolio after the acquisition. 50 Cent's share of the final proceeds was shaped by earnout clauses and brand performance over several years. SEC documents outline the financial terms.
What Happened to VitaminWater After the Sale
After the sale, Coca-Cola continued to expand the VitaminWater line with new flavors, SKUs, and packaging. The brand remained a top-selling functional beverage in the U.S. under Coca-Cola's distribution and retail networks. Forbes tracks VitaminWater's post-sale growth.
50 Cent later promoted other beverage ventures, but VitaminWater remained a separate Coca-Cola brand. The Glaceau acquisition is still referenced as a case study in celebrity brand licensing and beverage M&A. SEC records confirm the post-sale structure.