Bohemia, NY–Nutritional supplements manufacturer/marketer NBTY has entered into a contract to purchase fellow vitamins marketer NatureSmart (formerly Amrion) from Whole Foods Market for approximately $28 million in cash. Thorton, CO-based NatureSmart had sales of $59 million for fiscal 2000 and has net assets of $19 million. The acquisition is expected to close by Memorial Day.
As part of the deal, NBTY acquires two catalogs, Bio Energy Nutrients and Healthsmart Vitamins, with a total of 350,000 active customers. NBTY also acquires private-label vitamin manufacturer Brand Partners, and PhysioLogics, a provider of specialized nutritional supplements to healthcare professionals.