Applied Nutrition makes major US acquisition

RetailDeals

Applied Nutrition plc has acquired US-based sports nutrition manufacturer Nutrablend Group as it expands its North American footprint.

The deal, for a total cash consideration of $16 million (£12m) is for the trade and majority of assets of Nutrablend Group – including a manufacturing and warehouse facility in Buffalo, New York State, which has been independently valued at approximately $7m.

Applied Nutrition has also entered into a collaboration agreement with Mondelēz International to allow the group to develop and manufacture AN Supps & SOUR PATCH KIDS and AN Supps & SWEDISH FISH branded sports nutrition products.

The range will initially be stocked in 2,200 Walmart stores and 1,300 GNC corporate stores from August 2026.

Knowsley-based Applied Nutrition has upgraded expectations for the current financial year ending 31st July 2026, with revenue now expected to be approximately £148m and EBITDA margin in line with current consensus market expectations.

The EBITDA contribution for FY26 from the acquisition of Nutrablend is not expected to be meaningful.

Applied Nutrition said the deal adds production capacity of up to c.$300m of revenue per year in the US – supporting both existing and future customer demand across the group’s existing product ranges (AN & ABE), newly acquired brands (Basic & GR8), and generating revenue from white label manufacturing.

It will also deliver improved service levels for North American customers through reduced lead times and improved speed to market with new product development; lower freight, logistics and import duty costs in North America; and greater operational and supply chain resilience, reducing reliance on cross-border shipping and reducing working capital tie-up due to lower inventory level requirements.

Thomas Ryder, CEO of Applied Nutrition, said: “The acquisition of a US manufacturing site significantly strengthens our ability to support ongoing growth in the region and provides us with the ability to expand our North American offering, harnessing Nutrablend’s experienced management team. 

“Importantly, it allows us to launch new products at the same pace as we do in the UK, improving our responsiveness to consumer and market demand and reinforcing a clear competitive advantage for Applied.

“The partnership with Mondelēz International on the Sour Patch Kids & Swedish Fish brands brings two more globally recognised names into our portfolio. This agreement represents a significant endorsement of the Group’s capabilities, underlines the strength of our execution and shows our ability to deliver new, vibrant products to market through our NPD engine.

“Demand across our markets shows no sign of abating and we are well positioned to deliver on what consumers need for their health and wellness journey. As an agile but disciplined business, we’re confident that our delivery and expansion will continue to underpin the long-term outlook for our business.”