Bain Capital is to acquire Vitabiotics to drive rapid international expansion for the supplement brand.
The US global private investment firm has confirmed it has agreed to acquire Vitabiotics, including its UK operations and the wider VB Group (including Meyer Organics in India, and its operations in Africa, including VB Egypt), marking a significant milestone in Vitabiotics’ 55-year history and signalling the next phase of planned rapid international growth and expansion. While the figure has not been disclosed, media reports suggest it was acquird for around £900m.
In a statement, Bain Capital said the transaction brings together one of the world’s leading healthcare and consumer investors with one of the most recognised independent vitamins, minerals and supplements businesses globally, creating a platform for accelerated international growth. The UK will remain central to Vitabiotics’ brand, innovation, and category leadership. There will be no immediate changes to day-to-day operations, and the company will continue to focus on delivering for customers, partners and consumers, while investing in areas including digital capabilities, e-commerce, international distribution, supply chain resilience and new product development.
Given Vitabiotics’ global footprint, the investment will be led by Bain Capital’s Asia Private Equity team and supported by the firm’s global platform. Bain Capital will bring local market knowledge in India, together with sector expertise, portfolio resources and global capabilities, to support Vitabiotics as it continues to scale its brands, strengthen its international platform and invest in long-term growth within key markets such as MENA and China.
Vitabiotics was founded in 1971 by visionary scientist and entrepreneur, Professor Kartar Lalvani OBE, who pioneered the nutraceutical field and innovative science-based formulas, leading to whole new categories of supplements and sector-leading brands supporting specific health and life-stage needs. Over the last decade under the leadership of his son, Tej Lalvani (pictured) Group Chief Executive Officer, the business has significantly accelerated growth and leadership through product launches and partnerships. Outside Vitabiotics, Tej is widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading entrepreneurs and as a Dragon on BBC TV’s Dragons’ Den.
As founder of the Group and in recognition of his lifetime contribution and leadership in the supplement sector, Professor Kartar Lalvani will assume the honorary role of Chairman Emeritus on completion of the transaction. Professor Kartar Lalvani’s elder son, Professor Ajit Lalvani, has contributed his medical and scientific expertise to the business as non-executive director over three decades, alongside his distinguished clinical academic career.
Tej Lalvani commented: “This marks a defining moment in Vitabiotics’ journey. I’m incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to build on my father’s vision to harness the power of science and nutrition to improve everyday health and, together with our exceptional team, help transform Vitabiotics from a British family business into one of the world’s most trusted vitamin and wellness companies. This direction is not about changing who we are; it is about accelerating what we can become. 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, while staying true to the science, quality and values that have defined Vitabiotics for more than 55 years.”
Pawan Singh, a Partner at Bain Capital, added: “Vitabiotics is exactly the type of business we support: a trusted, science-led brand platform with category leadership, strong healthcare professional credibility and meaningful presence across the UK, India, the Middle East, Africa and China. Our India team has deep experience partnering with healthcare and consumer businesses, and we look forward to supporting Vitabiotics’ next phase of growth.”
Rishi Mandawat, a Partner at Bain Capital, continued: “We see a compelling opportunity to help Vitabiotics build on its UK leadership and strengthen its global platform. Across Bain Capital, we will bring sector expertise, portfolio resources and local market knowledge to support investment in innovation, e-commerce, international distribution and operational capability.”
