Bain Capital Vitabiotics acquisition targets global vitamin growth

Bain Capital has agreed to acquire Vitabiotics, in a bain capital vitabiotics acquisition that extends to the UK vitamin maker’s domestic business and the wider VB Group. Bain Capital said its Asia private equity team will lead the investment, using the firm’s international platform to support growth in markets where Vitabiotics already has a presence, including India, China, Egypt and the wider MENA region.

The transaction covers Vitabiotics’ UK operations as well as VB Group assets that include Meyer Organics in India and operations across Africa, according to Bain Capital. Completion remains conditional on standard closing requirements, including regulatory approvals.

Vitabiotics is the UK’s top-selling vitamin company, based on Nielsen sales data cited in the company announcement. Its product portfolio includes Pregnacare, Perfectil, Wellman, Wellwoman and Osteocare, brands positioned across pregnancy, beauty, men’s health, women’s health and bone-health categories.

What is included in the Bain Capital Vitabiotics acquisition?

The deal includes Vitabiotics in the UK and the wider VB Group, including Meyer Organics in India and African operations, according to Bain Capital. That structure gives the buyer exposure to a consumer health business with an existing footprint in several large and emerging wellness markets.

For private equity investors, vitamin and supplement companies can offer a combination of branded consumer revenue, repeat purchasing and scope for distribution gains. In this case, Bain Capital said it plans to support investment in product innovation, e-commerce, international distribution and operating capability.

Rishi Mandawat, a partner at Bain Capital, said the firm sees an opportunity to help Vitabiotics add to its leadership position in the UK while expanding its international platform. He said Bain Capital expects to draw on sector knowledge, portfolio resources and local market experience across the firm.

Vitabiotics was founded in 1971 by Professor Kartar Lalvani. Bain Capital said he will take the honorary title of chairman emeritus after the deal closes. Tej Lalvani, his son, has been group chief executive officer for the past decade, according to the announcement.

The transaction brings a long-established British consumer health brand into the portfolio of one of the world’s largest private investment firms. Bain Capital’s decision to have its Asia private equity team lead the investment reflects the geographic weight of Vitabiotics’ growth markets, particularly India and China, alongside its established UK base.

Houlihan Lokey served as exclusive corporate finance adviser to the seller, while Macfarlanes acted as lead legal adviser, according to Bain Capital. Rothschild & Co advised Bain Capital as exclusive corporate finance adviser. Kirkland & Ellis was Bain Capital’s lead legal adviser, with Khaitan & Co advising on Indian law matters.

This story draws on original reporting from PE Hub.