Scrip Buys New Life Systems

Looking to bolster its presence in the spa and wellness market, Scrip Companies acquired New Life Systems, a manufacturer and catalog distributor of massage and spa products on Aug. 17. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

New Life Systems and its sister company, Lotus Touch, are a consumer and business-to-business hybrid. They target masseuses and aroma therapists as well as their customers.

According to Kray Kibler, Scrip’s chief financial officer, the New Life acquisition does exactly that: breathe new life in its existing spa businesses, Day Spa Warehouse and Scrip Spa Supply. Both spa businesses market via catalog and a Website, according to Kibler.

In addition to the spa divisions, Scrip Companies provides chiropractic supplies and equipment through Hessco, a business it acquired in July, and through its Massage Warehouse division. The spa and chiropractic business also sells via a catalog and Website.

Although Kibler admits that the first six months of an acquisition are “figuring out how the business runs,” he envisions cross-marketing New Life with the other print titles.

Allan Share, chief executive officer for New Life Systems, agrees.

“The blending of chiropractors, physical therapists, doctors, massage therapists, spa therapists is on a fast train,” he explains. “It may be that New Life sells to a massage therapist who works in a chiropractic office that may or may not already be a Scrip’s customer.”

Though New Life is no stranger to Scrip because Scrip carries New Life’s Organic Naturals line of body oils, lotions, and creams in its catalogs.