11.01.13
GNC Holdings, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, has acquired A1 Sports Limited (Discount Supplements), a leading multi-brand sports nutrition e-commerce retailer in the U.K. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Following the acquisition, GNC.com, LuckyVitamin.com and discount-supplements.co.uk will continue to operate as separate businesses, each with its own product offerings and target customers.
Joe Fortunato, GNC’s chairman, president & CEO, said, “Discount Supplements offers a broad selection of competitively priced proprietary and third party products, and is a leader in the U.K.’s sports nutrition market. This market—estimated to be ~£300 million—has demonstrated consistent double-digit growth, which is forecasted to continue. The online channel has captured nearly one-third market share, and is growing faster than the market overall.”
Mr. Fortunato continued, “Entering the U.K. and other key European and Scandinavian markets are core elements of our strategic plan to expand GNC’s global reach. With this acquisition, we are well positioned to capitalize on the fastest growing channel in Europe’s top market. We also see the potential to leverage GNC’s marketing, product development and procurement capabilities to drive synergies. This includes having Discount Supplements introduce premium GNC sub-brands in the sports nutrition, vitamin and diet categories into the U.K. and other markets. We would like to welcome Founder and Executive Chairman Stuart Harris along with key members of his management team who have agreed to participate in the continued growth of the business.”
Mr. Harris said, “We are excited to enter the next phase of our company’s growth. Combining GNC’s strengths in product development and marketing with our loyal customer base will allow Discount Supplements to further develop and expand the business.”
Joe Fortunato, GNC’s chairman, president & CEO, said, “Discount Supplements offers a broad selection of competitively priced proprietary and third party products, and is a leader in the U.K.’s sports nutrition market. This market—estimated to be ~£300 million—has demonstrated consistent double-digit growth, which is forecasted to continue. The online channel has captured nearly one-third market share, and is growing faster than the market overall.”
Mr. Fortunato continued, “Entering the U.K. and other key European and Scandinavian markets are core elements of our strategic plan to expand GNC’s global reach. With this acquisition, we are well positioned to capitalize on the fastest growing channel in Europe’s top market. We also see the potential to leverage GNC’s marketing, product development and procurement capabilities to drive synergies. This includes having Discount Supplements introduce premium GNC sub-brands in the sports nutrition, vitamin and diet categories into the U.K. and other markets. We would like to welcome Founder and Executive Chairman Stuart Harris along with key members of his management team who have agreed to participate in the continued growth of the business.”
Mr. Harris said, “We are excited to enter the next phase of our company’s growth. Combining GNC’s strengths in product development and marketing with our loyal customer base will allow Discount Supplements to further develop and expand the business.”