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Thailand's leading producer of beer and spirits, Thai Beverage (ThaiBev), has completed its THB420 million ($13.4 million) acquisition of the Wrangyer energy drink and Black Up ready to drink (RTD) coffee business from Wrangyer Beverage Co.

The acquisition was made through ThaiBev’s Maharas Agri Co subsidiary, and represents a major advance by the group into the non-alcoholic sector. ThaiBev already produces still and carbonated bottled water under its dominant Chang brand.

Wrangyer was launched a decade ago, and is now one of Thailand’s top three energy drink brands. The Wrangyer Beverage factory in Nakhon Pathom province has a capacity of almost 400 million units a year.

“The acquisition of these well-known brands expands our range of non-alcoholic beverages and strengthens our overall position as a leading beverage player in Thailand,” said ThaiBev’s President, Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi.

ThaiBev’s sales rose 3% to THB71.3 billion ($41.4 million) in the first nine months of 2007. The growth came from a THB547 million ($17.4 million) increase in spirit sales and a THB1.6 billion ($51.5 million) increase in sales of beer and water. Gross profit rose 4% to THB21.32 billion ($679.7 million).