The Quality Group Emerges As Potential Partner For 3D Energy Drinks
The Quality Group is keen on adding 3D Energy Drinks to its ever-growing portfolio, Christian Guzman has revealed.
If the name sounds familiar, that’s because the German giant recently completed a dual acquisition of RAW Nutrition and BUM Energy.
The takeover saw both brands join the ranks of fellow industry heavyweights ESN and More Nutrition under The Quality Group’s sizable umbrella.
As some fans may know, Dom Iacovone — who played a key role in scaling both businesses alongside Matt Jansen and six-time Mr. Olympia champion Chris Bumstead — partnered with Guzman to help him relaunch the revamped 3D.
Iacovone, Bumstead, and Jansen all became shareholders of The Quality Group as part of the sale, meaning they’re now partial owners of more brands than ever before.
Considering Iacovone has one foot firmly planted in both camps, it would be fair to assume that he’s been the conduit for early discussions between the two parties, which Guzman shared with fans via his YouTube channel.
“The Quality Group that acquired brands you’re already familiar with — Raw Nutrition and BUM Energy — is very interested in 3D,” he said.
“In addition to The Quality Group being interested, we’ve also had interest from 7-Eleven. Some conversations are going on there as well for a partial buy in.”
Guzman brought 3D back from the brink earlier this year following a painstaking legal tussle with his former partners, Congo Brands.
The Texas-based influencer admitted he came close to liquidating the business after the relationship turned sour.
However, with the help of Iacovone — and a tweaked recipe — 3D is now back, better than ever, and flying off the shelves.
To take that revival to new heights, Guzman has just welcomed IFBB Pro Sam Sulek onboard as a partner in the business.
While an exciting next step, it represents giving away more of the equity and control he fought hard to regain.
“If I heard everything I just said, just a few years ago, I would call myself an idiot,” he added. “I just relaunched the brand. I’m already bringing on a new partner and giving more equity away.
“We’re considering selling a chunk of the business this early on, when I know for a fact in a year, two years, our growth is going to be insane without help…
“For my entire business journey, I’ve owned 100% of every single business. The one instance I did partner — 3D Energy — the original partnership completely fell through the cracks.”
Despite his reservations, Guzman says he’s grown as an entrepreneur, largely thanks to the influence of figures like Iacovone.
His goal with 3D is to get into “as many doors as physically possible” at the best price point, while maintaining a premium-tasting product. To do that, he’s now prepared to loosen the reins.
“What associating myself with people like my partners has taught me is that we can make this thing happen way quicker, way more efficiently, and make this way bigger than I’ve ever thought possible with the right people,” he continued.
“Even if that means giving some of the pieces of the pie away, if it’s to the right people and the right partners, then this makes sense.
“I truly believe with all of my heart that 3D Energy can be one of the biggest energy drink brands in the world, and we can do it quicker than I would have ever imagined with these right people.”
Although Guzman hasn’t fully committed to selling a chunk to The Quality Group or 7-Eleven right now, it seems he’s quickly warming to the idea.
It’s not yet clear what shape any potential deal with The Quality Group would take if it did come to fruition.
Guzman could replicate the sale of BUM Energy and RAW Nutrition by exchanging full control for a seat at The Quality Group table, or welcome them onboard as joint owners.
Either way, the future looks bright for 3D Energy Drinks.
“Saddle up, because you’re about to see so much unfold, and I’m going to continue sharing the entire process of this business with you guys,” Guzman concluded.
SEE ALSO: Citrus Frost Returns as 3D Energy’s First Flavor Reveal Since Relaunch
