PepsiCo invests $585M in Celsius Series B; gains distribution rights and board influence
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Celsius Holdings, Inc. entered into a series of transactions with PepsiCo, Inc. under which PepsiCo previously purchased 1,466,666 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and, on the Closing Date, purchased 390,000 shares of newly created Series B Convertible Preferred Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $585.0 million in cash. Each share of Series B is initially convertible into 11,304,348 shares of common stock (on an as-converted basis). The parties amended and restated the registration rights agreement to include the common stock issuable on conversion of Series B and preserved customary demand, resale and piggyback registration rights for PepsiCo. PepsiCo became the Company’s exclusive U.S. distributor for certain beverage products in the defined territory under an amended distribution agreement, and a channel transition agreement covers transfer of certain existing Alani Nu distribution rights and related financial commitments. The Board was increased from nine to ten members and Michael Del Pozzo was appointed as a PepsiCo designee; board designation rights for PepsiCo are subject to ownership thresholds. Several definitive agreements and certificates were executed and filed as exhibits.
Positive
- Significant cash infusion: PepsiCo paid $585.0 million for Series B Preferred Stock, providing material liquidity to the company.
- Strategic distribution partnership: PepsiCo became the exclusive U.S. distributor for certain Celsius beverage products in the defined Territory, potentially expanding market access.
- Registration rights expanded: The amended and restated registration rights agreement includes common stock issuable on conversion of Series B, enabling resale opportunities.
Negative
- Board influence tied to ownership: PepsiCo obtains board designation rights contingent on as-converted ownership, increasing commercial partner influence over governance.
- Conversion ratio dilution risk: Each Series B share is convertible into 11,304,348 common shares, which could materially dilute existing shareholders if converted.
- Distribution termination triggers: The Captaincy and distribution arrangements may be terminated if contractual market share metrics are not met or upon certain breaches.
Insights
TL;DR Strategic partner PepsiCo made a substantial equity and distribution commitment via preferred-stock financing and distribution agreements.
The transaction documents show a significant strategic alignment: PepsiCo purchased $585.0 million of Series B convertible preferred shares and holds Series A preferred shares, while receiving expanded distribution rights and registration rights for resale of converted common stock. The convertible feature and amended registration rights indicate PepsiCo seeks potential equity participation along with commercial distribution control. Board expansion and a PepsiCo designee reflect governance influence tied to share ownership thresholds. The channel transition agreement and working capital adjustment tied to an acquisition (Rockstar) reflect integrated commercial and transactional mechanics rather than standalone financing.
TL;DR Governance changes grant PepsiCo board access and registration rights tied to conversion economics and ownership levels.
The Series B Certificate explicitly links PepsiCo’s board designation rights to as-converted share ownership thresholds and limits the number of designees as ownership changes or upon termination events. The company increased board size and appointed Michael Del Pozzo as a designee, who will serve until the 2026 annual meeting and will not receive compensation for board service. Indemnification arrangements for the new director are confirmed. These provisions materially affect board composition and investor governance dynamics.