Energy drink maker Celsius is paying $1.8 billion to buy rival Alani Nu, a brand that has been propelled by social-media influencers and pitches itself as a low-cal fitness aid.

The purchase allows Celsius to add a fast-growing beverage popular with young women while better positioning it to compete against rivals Red Bull and Monster.

(Reuters) - Celsius is set to acquire rival energy drink brand Alani Nu for $1.8 billion, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. Celsius is expected to fund the deal through a combination of cash and stock, the people familiar with the negotiations told the Wall Street Journal.

Celsius Holdings said on Thursday it would buy health and wellness drinks brand Alani Nutrition in a $1.8 billion deal through a combination of cash and stock, boosting its portfolio to build on the growing demand for sports and energy beverages.

The deal adds a fast-growing brand popular with young women to Celsius’s product line as its own growth slows.