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The Pepsi Bottling Group (PBG) has announced an agreement with CytoSport, producer of protein-enhanced functional beverages in the US, to distribute Muscle Milk. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

PBG will begin distribution of the ready-to-drink line of Muscle Milk and Muscle Milk Light in January. It will be available in convenience, food, drug, grocery and specialty retailers nationwide.

"Strengthening and diversifying the PBG product portfolio is one of our top priorities. By teaming up with CytoSport, we're entering a new beverage segment with attractive long-term growth prospects," said PBG North America President Rob King.

CytoSport President Greg Pickett added: "By working with PBG, we'll be able to greatly extend the reach of the Muscle Milk brand and put our products in the hands of more consumers than ever before. This is a beverage category with tremendous growth potential, and this agreement further enhances CytoSport's leading position in the category."

The protein beverage, Muscle Milk, claims to promote lean muscle growth, fast recovery from exercise and sustained energy.