Bain Capital announced it has agreed to acquire Vitabiotics, the UK’s leading vitamin company, along with its wider VB Group operations, including Meyer Organics in India and its operations across Africa, including VB Egypt. The transaction marks a significant milestone in Vitabiotics’ 55-year history and is intended to support the company’s next phase of international growth. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Founded in 1971 by Professor Kartar Lalvani, Vitabiotics has grown into a category-defining vitamin, mineral, and supplement business with a portfolio including Pregnacare, Perfectil, Wellman, Wellwoman, Osteocare, and the Ultra range, exporting to more than 70 countries and maintaining operations in India, China, Egypt, and West Africa. The company became the UK’s largest vitamin company by sales value in 2013 and has received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise on four occasions.
The UK will remain central to Vitabiotics’ brand, innovation, and category leadership, with no immediate changes to day-to-day operations; the investment will be led by Bain Capital’s Asia Private Equity team, supported by the firm’s global platform, with a focus on scaling the company’s international presence in markets including India, MENA, and China.
Professor Kartar Lalvani will assume the honorary role of Chairman Emeritus upon completion of the transaction, while Tej Lalvani will continue as Group Chief Executive Officer.
Completion of the transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Support: Houlihan Lokey served as exclusive corporate finance advisor and Macfarlanes served as lead legal advisor to Vitabiotics, while Rothschild & Co. served as exclusive corporate finance advisor to Bain Capital, with Kirkland & Ellis serving as lead legal advisor and Khaitan & Co. serving as co-counsel on Indian law matters.
KEY QUOTES:
“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. 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.”
Tej Lalvani, Group Chief Executive Officer, Vitabiotics
“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.”
Pawan Singh, Partner, Bain Capital
