By Ananya Mariam Rajesh (Reuters) - Celsius Holdings said on Thursday it would buy health and wellness drinks brand Alani Nutrition in a $1.8 billion deal through a combination of cash and stock, boosting its portfolio to build on the growing demand for sports and energy beverages.

Energy drink maker Celsius Holdings Inc. has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Alani Nutrition LLC for $1.8 billion, including $150 million in tax assets for a net purchase price of $1.65 billion.

Celsius Holdings has revealed plans to acquire health and wellness drinks and snacks maker Alani Nutrition (Alani Nu) in a deal worth $1.8bn. Kentucky-based Alani Nu will be bought from its co-founders,