Who Owns Red Bull? Red Bull GmbH, the Austrian company that manufactures and sells the popular energy drink, is owned by Dietrich Mateschitz and the family of the late Chaleo Yoovidhya. Mateschitz, an Austrian entrepreneur, co-founded Red Bull with Thai businessman Chaleo Yoovidhya in 1987. Mateschitz owns approximately 49% of the company. After Chaleo Yoovidhya passed away in 2012, his family inherited his share. Today, Chaleo’s eldest son, Chalerm Yoovidhya, represents the family’s ownership of the company. Thus, the ownership of Red Bull remains divided between Mateschitz and the Yoovidhya family.
Company History
Red Bull is a popular energy drink brand created by Austrian entrepreneur Dietrich Mateschitz and Thai businessman Chaleo Yoovidhya, who founded the Thai energy drink Krating Daeng. The Red Bull brand took shape in the mid-1980s when Mateschitz and Yoovidhya decided to collaborate on developing a modern energy drink. Their partnership began in 1984 when Mateschitz discovered Krating Daeng during a business trip to Thailand. After finding the drink effective in curing his jet lag, he teamed up with Yoovidhya to adapt the recipe and taste for a global audience.
In 1987, they founded Red Bull GmbH and launched the international Red Bull Energy Drink. The ownership of the company was split between the two key partners. Mateschitz and Yoovidhya each held a 49% stake, while Yoovidhya’s son, Chalerm, owned the remaining 2%. This gave the Yoovidhya family a 51% controlling share in the company.
When Chaleo Yoovidhya passed away in March 2012, his stake in the company passed to his family. The Yoovidhya family continues to hold a majority stake in Red Bull, while Mateschitz retains a significant portion. In summary, Red Bull emerged from a partnership between Dietrich Mateschitz and Chaleo Yoovidhya, with ownership remaining within their families. The Yoovidhya family still holds a controlling stake, and Mateschitz holds a significant share as well.
Who was the original founder?
Red Bull’s founders, Dietrich Mateschitz and Chaleo Yoovidhya, launched the brand in 1984. Mateschitz, born in Austria in 1944, earned a marketing degree from the Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration. He began his career with global companies like Unilever, Jacobs Coffee, and Blendax.
During a business trip to Thailand in the early 1980s, Mateschitz discovered Krating Daeng, an energy drink created by Chaleo Yoovidhya. After the drink helped him overcome jet lag, Mateschitz saw its potential for the global market. He teamed up with Chaleo, and they adapted the formula and branding for Western consumers, creating the Red Bull brand.
The two invested $500,000 each to start Red Bull GmbH. Mateschitz used his marketing expertise to develop the brand’s logo, positioning, and advertising strategy, while Chaleo and his family handled production. Red Bull gained rapid popularity through its innovative marketing and sponsorship of sports events.
Today, Red Bull stands as a global leader, and Mateschitz has become one of Austria’s wealthiest individuals, with a net worth exceeding $20 billion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who owns Red Bull?
Red Bull is owned by its founders, Austrian entrepreneur Dietrich Mateschitz and Thai businessman Chaleo Yoovidhya. The ownership is split between the two families, with the Yoovidhya family owning a 51% majority.
2. When was Red Bull founded?
Red Bull was founded in 1984 in Austria after Dietrich Mateschitz and Chaleo Yoovidhya decided to bring the Thai energy drink Krating Daeng to the global market.
3. How did Red Bull become so popular?
Red Bull’s success is largely attributed to its unique marketing strategy that focuses on sponsoring and creating events in the realms of extreme sports, music, and gaming. This has helped create a brand identity that resonates with customers and builds a loyal consumer base.
4. What is Red Bull’s market share?
Red Bull is the leader in the global energy drink market, accounting for about 43% of the market share as of 2021. Its closest competitor is Monster Energy with around 36% market share.
5. What are the main ingredients in Red Bull?
Red Bull’s main ingredients include caffeine, taurine, B-group vitamins, sugars, and alpine water. These ingredients, along with its signature taste, provide consumers with an energy boost and increased focus.
