26 February 2019 - Deborah Wilkes
RB has acquired UpSpring – the US-based company marketing healthcare products for mums, babies and kids – for an undisclosed sum.
Commenting on the deal, RB said UpSpring offered "all-natural, science-based products, which strongly appeal to expectant and new mums". The business uses the slogan "Made with love. Backed by science".
UpSpring markets a broad range of products including vitamins, minerals and supplements (VMS) and compression hosiery.
RB said that acquiring UpSpring reinforced its "commitment to supporting expectant and new mums, and infants in the first 1,000 days of life".
The company added that it could now support "both breastfeeding mums and those who choose infant formula".
RB has had a strong presence in the infant and child nutrition category since 2017 when it acquired Mead Johnson Nutrition in a deal worth USD17.9 billion including net debt (click here to read the News story).
Opportunities in the US and China
UK-based RB said its own "scale, quality input and healthcare capabilities" would help UpSpring grow in the existing US market and build scale in new markets such as China.
UpSpring was founded in 2005 by three entrepreneurs: Lisa Williamson, Dede Woodman and Julie Jumonville. RB said UpSpring would continue to operate as a stand-alone entity based in Texas, with the existing management team and co-founder continuing to lead the business.
RB pointed out that UpSpring was an "agile, small-scale enterprise with a strong platform of quality products and the potential for accelerated product innovation".
Furthermore, RB said UpSpring had a "proven track record of growth since it was founded in 2005".
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