3i Group plc (“3i”) today announces that it has invested in Laboratoire Nutergia (“Nutergia”), a leading French natural food supplements brand and a pioneer in science-based micronutrition.

Founded in 1989 by Claude Lagarde and headquartered in Capdenac, France, Nutergia provides natural, expert-recommended food supplements, with a differentiated positioning built around its proprietary concept of Active Cellular Nutrition^®. The company develops and manufactures high-quality products, distributed primarily through pharmacy channels and benefits from strong, long-standing endorsement by healthcare professionals.

Nutergia has delivered double-digit organic annual growth for over a decade underpinned by strong patient trust and high brand loyalty. The company operates a well-invested production facility in France where it has an established presence in addition to Spain and Belgium, with growing international and digital channels.

The European market for natural and expert-recommended food supplements continues to benefit from durable long-term growth drivers, including ageing populations, increased consumer focus on prevention and wellbeing, and rising demand for high-quality, science-backed products. As a premium brand of choice, Nutergia is well positioned to capitalise on these trends.

3i is investing to accelerate Nutergia’s growth, driving further penetration of existing markets, continued innovation across product categories, acceleration of digital channels and international expansion in selected geographies. As part of the transaction, the Lagarde family will retain a significant minority shareholding and continue to be actively involved in the business.

Claude Lagarde, Founder, Nutergia, said: “Nutergia is built around scientific rigour, product quality and trust from consumers and healthcare professionals. We are pleased to welcome 3i as a partner who shares our ambition and brings significant experience of supporting premium healthcare brands in their growth journey, especially in their international expansion. Together, we look forward to building on Nutergia’s foundations and accelerating our long-term ambitions.”

Pierre-Axel Botuha, Partner and Co-Head of France Private Equity, 3i, said: “Nutergia is a top-tier nutrition business with a strong brand, deep healthcare heritage and a long track record of growth. It fits perfectly with our strategy of investing in differentiated companies which help consumers achieve a healthier lifestyle. We have known Nutergia for a long time and have followed its progress for many years and are delighted to now partner with the team to support the next phase of the company’s development.”

This investment builds on 3i’s successful experience of investing in international branded businesses with strong sustainability credentials, such as WaterWipes, MPM and Havea.

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