Bayer Acquires Schiff Nutrition

Bayer HealthCare LLC has signed a merger agreement to acquire Schiff Nutrition International, Inc. (NYSE: SHF), a leading company offering vitamins and nutritional supplements in the United States and other countries. Schiff’s product portfolio includes core brands MegaRed, Move Free and Airborne, among others. The transaction values Schiff at approx. $1.2 billion and is scheduled to close by year end 2012.

“We will utilize our extensive marketing, sales and distribution expertise to further develop the strong brands we are acquiring,” said Dr. Jörg Reinhardt, CEO of Bayer HealthCare. “We will also look to leverage Schiff’s new technology platforms with innovation potential for other Bayer-owned brands and markets globally.”

Schiff generated net sales of 259 million for its fiscal year ended May 31, 2012, and expected net sales for fiscal year 2013 to grow between 43 and 46%. Expected sales growth includes contributions from new products and brand building as well as Airborne, which was acquired by Schiff on March 30, 2012.