KDP Buys Back RC Evansville Territory.  As reported in a June 19 BD email news alert, Keurig Dr Pepper is buying back production and distribution rights for its brands from Royal Crown Bottling of Evansville. The agreement includes RC Cola, A&W Root Beer, Sunkist, 7Up, Snapple and Big Red. While the bottler produces some Dr Pepper for other distributors, it does not have distribution rights for the brands, a spokesman told BD. RC Evansville will continue to distribute Red Bull and Fiji, the bottler said in a statement (RC Evansville does not produce those brands). The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter. KDP is not buying the bottler’s manufacturing facilities, which means production could be handled at a nearby Louisville plant.  New Identity.  RC Evansville will reorganize under a new name, Vision Beverage. “These changes present an opportunity for us to become focused on independent production, enabling our company to expand its capabilities to meet the consumers’ growing and diverse beverage needs,” RC Bottling President Nancy Hodge said in a statement. “We see huge opportunities for growth as an independent producer and co-packer.”  The company now is looking for rising premium and functional brands interested in partnering on manufacturing and distribution, according to Marion Glover of Glover Capital Inc., who is an advisor to the bottler.  Territory.  Royal Crown Bottling distributes in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee, working from seven distribution centers, according to the company. “Royal Crown Bottling Corp. is a long-time partner and family business that has decided to move in a new direction, and we are pleased that our two organizations reached a mutually beneficial agreement,” KDP said in a statement. “When the transaction closes, we will take over distribution of our brands through our Direct Store Delivery network, which has been performing exceptionally well in our markets. We look forward to delivering excellent service to customers and further growing our brands in this new territory.”

Reyes' Beer Run Continues.  Reyes Holdings’ Harbor Distributing has agreed to acquire most of the assets of Monterey Bay, California-based Elyxir Distributing, Reyes announced last week. The deal, to close in August, includes 2.5 million cases and 1,200 customer accounts with brands including Molson Coors, Heineken and Boston Beer. Reyes, which owns California-based Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, has purchased a string of beer assets in California in recent years. 

Plus.  Nestlé Health Science has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Vital Proteins, which markets collagen-infused supplements, beverages, and food; Vital will operate as a standalone business  …  Renowned private equity firm KKR & Co and investment firm Capital Peak Partners, founded by former Dean Foods CEO Gregg Engles, have agreed to acquire Borden Dairy from bankruptcy.