PepsiCo is buying household drink-machine maker SodaStream in a $3.2 billion (2.51 billion pounds)deal, it said on Monday, seeking an edge in health-conscious beverages as it battles chief rival Coca-Cola . PepsiCo will acquire SodaStream for $144 per share in cash, representing a 10.9 percent premium to the Friday closing price of SodaStream’s US-listed stock. SodaStream, which makes machines that turn tap water into carbonated water, will help diversify PepsiCo’s portfolio of snacks and beverages. The Purchase, New York-based group will use cash on hand to fund the acquisition. SodaStream’s Israel-listed shares will be halted for trading until its Nasdaq-listed stock opens later on Monday, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange said in a statement. Published in Daily Times, August 21st 2018.