CHICAGO — Wind Point Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm, has acquired FoodScience Corp., a Vermont-based formulator, manufacturer and marketer of nutritional supplements for humans and pets.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
FoodScience was founded in 1973 by Guido and Maria Orlandi and has since remained in the family under Claudia Orlandi’s ownership. Today, the company’s brands include VetriScience, DaVinci and Pet Naturals, as well as private label and custom formulation offerings.
Wind Point will be partnering with FoodScience management and incumbent CEO Sharon Rossi, who joined the company in 2017.
Prior to joining FoodScience, Rossi served as chief customer officer at Coty Inc., which followed her role as general manager of the Consumer Lifestyle Division at Philips and a 16-year career with Unilever.
Rossi said, “Wind Point’s investment team understands consumer goods, the pet industry and the supplement industry, and is experienced in both retail and e-commerce channels. FoodScience and Wind Point share values such as commitment to community and affirming corporate culture. I am optimistic about this investment; it is a win for our customers, employees and Vermont neighbors.”
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Advising Wind Point on the transaction were executives Katie Doyle, Chris Hornung and Bob Shipley, all of whom have joined FoodScience’s Board of Directors. Doyle, who will serve as FoodScience’s board chair, brings extensive leadership experience in the nutritional supplements industry, as well as in direct-to-consumer and healthcare practitioner channels from her previous roles as CEO of Swanson Health Products and president of Abbott Nutrition U.S. Hornung founded and served as CEO of Pacific Cycle, a former Wind Point III portfolio company.
Shipley most recently served as CEO of FoodScience before transitioning to an advisory role.
Paul Peterson, managing director at Wind Point, said, “FoodScience is a very strong competitor in the human supplements market with its long history of quality, efficacy and safety. It is a pioneer in the animal health industry, formulating animal supplements and treats. The FoodScience brand portfolio, reputation, manufacturing assets and approach to research are compelling. Amidst changing consumer buying behavior and elevated focus on health and wellness, FoodScience is well-positioned to capitalize on the acceleration of eCommerce and growth in human and pet nutritional supplements. We look forward to working with Sharon and the entire FoodScience team in further building the brands and private label business to execute on our value creation plan.”
