Global PE investor, Bain Capital, is to acquire Vitabiotics, a leading British nutraceutical company, in support of the company’s next phase of growth and international expansion. Bain beat rival PE firms, which were said to include Blackstone, EQT and TPG, and Lupin Pharma to the UK’s leading vitamin company and its portfolio of trusted brands: Pregnacare, Perfectil, Wellman, Wellwoman, Osteocare, and the Ultra range.
“We see a compelling opportunity to help Vitabiotics build on its UK leadership and strengthen its global platform,” said Rishi Mandawat, a partner at Bain Capital.
This transaction, reportedly for £900m (US$1.2bn) and which includes the firm’s UK operations and the wider VB Group (including Meyer Organics in India, and its operations in Africa, including VB Egypt), brings together Vitabiotics’ trusted brands with Bain Capital’s global consumer-health expertise, resources and local market knowledge, creating a platform for accelerated international growth.
Vitabiotics was founded in 1971 by Professor Kartar Lalvani OBE. Over the last decade, under the leadership of CEO Tej Lalvani, the business has accelerated its growth through product launches and partnerships. The business utilises an omnichannel model tailored by end market and operates seven manufacturing sites globally, complemented by select co-manufacturers. The company exports to over 70 countries worldwide. In FY25, the business generated c. £275m in sales.
“With Bain Capital’s global expertise and investment behind us, we have a unique opportunity to expand internationally, accelerate our innovation and take our trusted brands to millions more consumers,” said CEO Lalvani.
The UK will remain central to Vitabiotics’ brand, innovation, and category leadership. There will be no immediate changes to day-to-day operations.
Houlihan Lokey (Markus Klotz, Garyth Stone, Jorge Granados, Louise Desoete, Ben Dunlop) acted as the exclusive financial advisor to the shareholders of Vitabiotics.
Rothschild & Co (Akeel Sachak) advised Bain Capital.
Macfarlanes (Tim Redman, Alice Temkin) acted as lead legal adviser for IQ-EQ, as selling shareholder.
Press release: Bain Capital to Acquire Vitabiotics, the UK’s No.1 Vitamin Company | Bain Capital
