Dr Pepper buying Bai Brands

The maker of Dr Pepper soda and Snapple fruit drink said it will pay $1.7 billion for Bai Brands, a fruity drink maker that counts Justin Timberlake among its investors.

Dr Pepper Snapple Group said Tuesday that Hamilton, New Jersey-based Bai will help the company expand into the low-calorie beverage market. Bai markets its drinks as having 5 calories, antioxidants and no artificial sweeteners. Bai also has a bit of star power with Timberlake among its investors. The “SexyBack” singer said at the time his investment was disclosed last month that he was a fan of the drinks and would work on new flavors and marketing campaigns for the brand. Dr Pepper Snapple’s brands include its namesake soda, A&W root beer and Canada Dry ginger ale. The Plano, Texas-based company expects Bai to generate about $425 million in sales next year.