Bee-derived supplements maker Bee Health has been acquired by INW (Innovations in Nutrition + Wellness), an American company which specialises in custom R&D, manufacturing and marketing support solutions for global brands.
In a simultaneous transaction, INW was itself acquired from Rosewood Private Investments by a group of investors led by private investment firm Cornell Capital LLC.
Bee Health currently produces around 400 million capsules and tablets a week at its Carnaby HQ in East Yorkshire. It was founded in 1992 by Steve and Bea Ryan, with entrepreneur Jan Fletcher OBE – the company’s chairman, joining in 1994. Its brands include Bee Health Propolis and FSC.
Together, INW and Bee Health will expand their manufacturing capabilities to offer new products and reach new geographical markets, while creating significant cross-selling opportunities.
Bee Health’s founder, Steve Ryan, calls the potential for further global growth ‘enormous’, while Cornell Capital says it intends to make INW ‘a one-stop solution provider’ in the global nutrition and wellness industries.
Jan Fletcher OBE, chairman of Bee Health and new board member at INW Global, said: “INW’s and Cornell Capital’s interest in Bee Health is a testament to both the strength of the company we have built and the significant value creation potential ahead.
“Bee Health has seen virtually uninterrupted growth over the last decade as we have expanded our highly diversified customer base and grown our market share to become the UK’s leading industry player.”
“With an incredible team of dedicated employees, we have built a leading UK manufacturing business that will now form a key part of an ambitious global company. The partnership with INW will place Bee Health at the forefront of the health and wellness market and Steve and I could not be prouder and more excited about the future of the company.”
Gary Giles, chief executive officer of INW, said: “Our partnership with Bee Health is a key advancement in our ongoing efforts to expand our product offerings, broaden our geographic footprint and expand and diversify our customer base.
“The combined company will benefit from Cornell Capital’s expertise and world-class resources, ensuring we are better positioned than ever to deliver on our mission of being the world’s best solutions partner to the global nutrition and wellness industry.”
As part of the transaction, Bee Health’s shareholders have become equity partners in INW.
Share