The man who has been dubbed “The Big Aristotle,” “Shaq Fu,” and “The Diesel” can now add a new nickname to his unrivaled list: “Big Blue.”
BLUE04, which markets an oxygenated water, announced today that Shaquille O’Neal, a four-time NBA champion and 15-time NBA All-Star, has taken an ownership position with the company.
“Everyone knows Shaquille’s abilities, records and stats as one of the NBA’s all time greats,” Dr. Dave, BLUE04 founder and CEO, said in a release. “However, Shaquille’s brand influence, business acumen, knowledge and sheer competitive nature has propelled his business career after the NBA to a level achieved by few.”
O’Neal – once a paid endorser for Vitaminwater and Muscle Milk – remains a popular figure in sports and entertainment. His Twitter account has more than 6.5 million followers, the most for any retired athlete, and he currently works as an NBA analyst for TNT.
“I am proud to be part of a beverage brand that combines the natural benefits of water, oxygen and minerals, while offering enhancements from scientific research to stay hydrated for overall well being,” O’Neal said in a release.
Other owners of BLUE04 include seven-time NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady and current WWE wrestler David Otunga.
The company’s press release is below:
NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Today, BLUEO4, the premier natural oxygenated enhanced water beverage, has announced that fifteen-time NBA All-Star and four-time NBA Champion, Shaquille O’Neal, has joined the ownership within the company.
Shaquille O’Neal joining BLUEO4’s ownership will bring worldwide exposure to the brand while promoting the basic yet uniquely powerful benefits BLUEO4® provides, Oxygen and Minerals. For the past year, BLUEO4 has been distributing exclusively in the public and private sectors and has become a sought after beverage among professional athletes and organizations such as the NFL, USA Track and Field and the NBA. With recent distribution contracts in California and hotel chains in Florida, the company is already beginning to gain strides in competing with the top functional water brands.
This new business venture with Shaquille O’Neal is part of the next steps for growth and expansion for BLUEO4. Since retiring from the NBA in 2011, and getting his Ph.D. in 2012 in Leadership and Education, O’Neal has boldly transitioned from playing basketball to a savvy businessman. His business ventures are many, and as one of the most easily recognized names and faces in the world, O’Neal’s ability to grow a brand is superior. Moreover, with millions of social media followers including 6.5 million followers on twitter, O’Neal has been consistently ranked among the top 10 celebrity users. His loyal fan base worldwide, gives him the power to engage and influence millions at a time.
Given its simple yet revolutionary formula, BLUEO4 is particularly special to O’Neal. “I am proud to be part of a beverage brand that combines the natural benefits of water, oxygen and minerals, while offering enhancements from scientific research to stay hydrated for overall well being,” said O’Neal.
“Everyone knows Shaquille’s abilities, records and stats as one of the NBA’s all time greats,” said BLUEO4 founder and CEO, Dr. Dave. “However, Shaquille’s brand influence, business acumen, knowledge and sheer competitive nature has propelled his business career after the NBA to a level achieved by few. Shaquille is very hands-on, and involved in the day-to-day operations of the company. We are thrilled to have him not only as a brand endorser, but also a partner and co-owner.”
BLUEO4 ownership also includes seven-time NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady and current WWE superstar David Otunga.
BLUEO4 is actively seeking further distribution channels within North America.
For more information visit: WWW.BLUEO4.COM or call 1-855-425-8304.
Follow on Twitter: @BLUEO4
ABOUT BLUEO4®
BLUEO4® oxygen enhanced water beverage, contains its proprietary “O4” – 41 minerals/electrolytes blend. Consumers enjoy the benefit of natural energy that the extra oxygen boost of O4 provides to their muscles and body, the O4 oxygen is fixed in crisp tasting water base allowing absorption to the body once consumed. It is a natural pH balanced water product, with 0 sugar, 0 calories, and 0 chlorites. Studies show the benefits of boosted oxygen levels include: Temporary reduction of headaches, stress, fatigue, jet lag, and altitude sickness. Increased overall health and wellness. Reduction of recovery time from injuries and exertion, increased alertness, flushing of toxins and impurities, reduction of muscle fatigue, cramping, reduction of lactate acid build up and increased pure energy oxygen. BLUEO4® is currently available in 20 oz and will soon have 12 oz, 16.9 oz and 1 liter sizes added to the line of products.