- Bain Capital has agreed to acquire Vitabiotics, the UK's No.1 vitamin company, from Tej Lalvani for around £1bn, marking a significant milestone in the company's history.
- The deal remains subject to regulatory approval.
- Vitabiotics was founded in 1971 by Professor Kartar Lalvani, who is now 94 years old.
- Tej Lalvani joined the family business after university, starting by sticking labels on boxes in the warehouse and eventually becoming CEO in 2015.
Bain Capital has reached an agreement to acquire Vitabiotics, a prominent UK vitamin company, for approximately £1 billion. This acquisition signifies a pivotal moment in the company’s history, ending over five decades of family ownership initiated by Prof Kartar Lalvani in 1971.124
Tej Lalvani, the current CEO and son of the founder, expressed that the deal represents “a defining moment” for the company. He stated, “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.” Under his leadership since 2015, Vitabiotics has expanded internationally, becoming a household name with products like Pregnacare and Wellman.356
Bain Capital plans to leverage its global expertise to enhance Vitabiotics' international presence, particularly in markets such as India, China, the Middle East, and North Africa. The firm aims to invest in areas like digital capabilities, e-commerce, and new product development to accelerate growth.
The transaction, which includes Vitabiotics' UK operations and its subsidiary Meyer Organics in India, is still subject to regulatory approval. Tej Lalvani will continue to lead the company, while his father will take on the honorary role of Chairman Emeritus post-transaction. Bain Capital’s investment is expected to create a platform for accelerated international growth, marking a significant milestone in Vitabiotics’ 55-year history.
Completion of the transaction remains subject to applicable closing conditions, including customary regulatory approvals.
“The deal ends over 55 years of family ownership, with founder Professor Kartar Lalvani set to become Chairman Emeritus. Bain Capital, led by its Asia private equity team, plans to expand Vitabiotics into markets including India, China, and the Middle East and North Africa.”
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