Coca-Cola nabs a monster

Coca-Cola stepped up its investments in alternative beverages on Thursday with a 17 percent stake in energy drink marketer Monster Beverage — an investment that Coca-Cola CEO Muhtar Kent said could eventually increase to 25 percent.

According to USA Today, the anticipated move is valued at $2.15 billion. Coke has faced pressure to find new growth as its carbonated soft-drink business continues to decline even as Monster's energy drink business expands.

"Coca-Cola certainly needs growth," said Bill Chappell of SunTrust Robinson Humphrey. "Monster has a leading share in the U.S. energy drink market, and they have been gaining share overseas. It's a nice shot in the arm for Coca-Cola going forward."

Read more from USA Today.