China private equity firm acquires 80% stake in Kiwi supplement manufacturer

03-Feb-2017 - Last updated on 03-Feb-2017 at 01:02 GMT

The brand is sold exclusively in pharmacies and health stores.

New Zealand supplement firm Better Health Co, which owns the GO Healthy brand, has sold an 80% stake to an Asian private equity fund to help it tap into international markets.

Private equity fund ORA New Zealand, controlled by China Diamond Holdings, acquired the stake for an undisclosed sum after it was approved by national financial and land regulators.

The notce of regulatory approval stated: “GO Healthy is a leading New Zealand natural health products brand. The business manufactures and distributes a range of hard and soft capsules, tablets and powders containing natural extracts that provide health benefits for a range of symptoms and targeted effects.

“The vendors are looking to leverage its domestic brand credibility and market leader position by expansion into export markets.

“The applicant intends to act as a catalyst for expansion of the Go Healthy business and unlock value for all stakeholders by providing the needed assistance and resources to the existing management team in its efforts to capture these new opportunities.”

The manufacturer has products across 12 categories – general health, women’s health, men’s health, joint health, healthy oils, immune system, sleep/nervous system, weight m,anagement, active energy, specialty products, children's health and manuka honey.

Better Health Co said it had fielded several international offers, with the latest best meeting its strategic needs.

Its owners also said the deal would ensure the firm would continue to manufacture in New Zealand.