Wikipedia: Energy Brands, also doing business as Glacéau, is a privately owned subsidiary of Coca-Cola Company based in Whitestone, New York City that manufactures and distributes various lines of enhanced water. Founded in May 1996 by J. Darius Bikoff with a electrolyte enhanced line of water called Smartwater, Energy Brands initially distributed its products to health food stores and independent retailers in the New York area. Adding Fruitwater and Vitaminwater to its line in 1998 and 2000, respectively, the company expanded to nationwide distribution in the early 2000s.By 2002, the Glacéau line of waters were the top selling enhanced water brand in the United States, with the company's Vitaminwater being its best selling product. In 2006, the company earned US$350 million in revenues, and In 2008, the company began its global expansion, launching its products in the United Kingdom and Australia. Primarily owned by Birkoff, employees, and small investors, rap artist Curtis Jackson—known as 50 Cent—obtained a 10% share of the company as part of an endorsement deal. 30% equity was sold to LVMH sometime in the 2000s, which in turn sold those shares. The shares eventually were sold to India-based Tata Group in August 2006, which held the shares until May 2007 when Coca-Cola Company purchased the company as an independent subsidiary, leaving its actual operations with its existing management including Birkoff.