Nestlé to enter fast-growing global market for clinical nutrition products for people with inherited metabolic disorders | Nestlé Health Science

Vevey,  2 August  2010  –  Nestlé today announced that it has  completed the acquisition of  Vitaflo,  a Liverpool-based global provider of clinical nutritional products which has enjoyed double-digit growth in the order of 30% over the last 3 years. This strategic transaction allows Nestlé to enter the fast-growing global market for clinical nutrition products tailor-made for people with inherited metabolic disorders. This sector is growing rapidly as improved diagnosis and screening enable increasing numbers of cases to be detected, and new advances in science demonstrate the benefits of specialised nutrition as an integral part of clinical management.  Vitaflo has approximate annual sales of CHF  40 million.  The acquisition price is not disclosed.

Vitaflo’s products are developed for  infants, children and adults with genetic disorders  that affect how food is  processed by the body.  These include  phenylketonuria  (PKU),  maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) and  homocystinuria (HCU).  Inborn errors of metabolism are  infrequent  at an  estimated 1 in 2,500-50,000 births  depending on the disorder  but  persist from birth to adulthood. They  constitute a significant proportion of genetic disorders detected in newborn babies.

Vitaflo’s successful business model is underpinned by  its leading science,  research  and product development.  It is  well aligned with Nestlé’s global commitment to develop innovative nutritional solutions with proven health benefits, and to work with health care providers and caregivers  in offering foods for people with specific nutritional needs.

“This acquisition  is  an excellent  strategic  fit,  reinforcing  our position in  a rapidly growing segment of specialised nutrition. Vitaflo’s science-based products complement and support our business in the area of high-technology personalised nutrition. Additionally, Vitaflo will benefit from Nestlé’s commitment to innovation in nutrition, health and wellness. Our strong geographic presence will enable Vitaflo to enter into a global market,” said Paul Bulcke, CEO of Nestlé.

Richard Laube, CEO of Nestlé Nutrition, said,  “We are delighted to welcome Vitaflo into our company, whose people bring with them valuable expertise and know-how in clinical nutrition. This will help us to expand our innovation potential in the area of high quality products  for infants, children and adults with very specific nutritional needs.”

For more information about Vitaflo, please visit www.vitaflo.co.uk