Adcock Ingram acquisition of NutriLida gets Competition Commission Approval

Adcock Ingram acquisition of NutriLida gets Competition Commission Approval

FMCG SUPPLIER NEWS

Adcock Ingram - Aug 4th 2011, 15:10

Adcock Ingram has been given unconditional approval by the Competition Commission to acquire Johannesburg-based supplements business NutriLida Healthcare. The acquisition, which comes into effect on 1 August 2011, will further strengthen Adcock Ingram’s position as the leader in the vitamins, minerals and supplements (VMS) market, while increasing its market share in the broader fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) market.  

NutriLida is renowned for its market leading product range, which targets consumers and healthcare professionals. The NutriLida portfolio includes brands such as ProbiFlora, GynaGuard, ViralGuard, ArthroGuard and Natrodale.

Commenting on the acquisition, Dr Jonathan Louw, CEO of Adcock Ingram, said: “NutriLida has strong brands in several niche market segments. This acquisition, now that it is approved, will enable Adcock Ingram to move further into categories adjacent to our current business and to increase our visibility in the growing self-medication segment.”

Adcock Ingram has grown its presence in the supplements category in recent years. In the previous financial year, over-the-counter product growth was partly driven by supplements and energy products in the FMCG channel. The company already has a strong presence in the tonics market with household brands such as Bioplus®, Vita-thion® and Liviton®.

According to Dr Louw, the South African VMS market has shown substantial growth over the last few years, primarily due to access, availability, an emerging middle class and the increase in proactive health management and self-medication by consumers.

Referring to plans by the Medicines Control Council to introduce regulation around complementary medicines, Dr Louw said: “Adcock Ingram welcomes the plans by the Medicines Control Council to start regulating complementary medicines. As a pharmaceutical company we adhere to the industry standards and therefore support the MCC’s taking control of what has been until now an unregulated arena.”