Ascenta Health Ltd., the Dartmouth maker of natural beauty products, has exited.
The company said Tuesday it was bought by Nature’s Way, an affiliate of Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals of Germany for an undisclosed amount. The company in 2009 received a $4 million venture capital investment from Avrio Capital of Alberta.
We were out of town when this story broke and will have more on the deal next week. For now, here is the press release:
Ascenta Health Announces Acquisition By Nature’s Way
Halifax, May 19, 2015 – Ascenta Health Limited announced today that it has entered into a sale agreement with renowned US-based health brand, Nature’s Way, for an undisclosed amount. As a division of Nature’s Way, the company’s operations and employees will continue in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
Ascenta Health was established in 2003 by Marc St-Onge and has grown to become a leading manufacturer of premium Omega-3 health supplements under its consumer brand NutraSea. Since its inception, Ascenta has helped position Nova Scotia as an ideal setting for marine-based life sciences with access to leading researchers and research facilities and geographic proximity to important U.S. markets and Europe.
CEO and President Marc St-Onge states, “Ascenta Health has been a pioneer in the important omega-3 category with its vision, innovative research, and commitment to being environmentally responsible. From our beginnings as a small Dartmouth based start-up to our current position as an industry leader, we have achieved a lot in 12 short years. With a global player like Nature’s Way the growth opportunities are expanded and will solidify the brand as a leader in the North American market.” As part of the agreement, St-Onge will move on and retain ownership in Ascenta Skin, the company’s newly developed high-end skincare brand.
Mike Devereux, CEO of Nature’s Way says ”We are excited to have the market leading NutraSea brand and the Ascenta team join forces with our Nature’s Way business in Canada. Together we will continue to bring high quality solutions to market that enable the users of our Brands to focus on their own health and wellness initiatives.”
Nature’s Way’s Senior Vice President, Rory Mahony, leads the organization’s Canadian business and welcomes the Ascenta team. The company employs over 60 people in manufacturing, research, sales and marketing and Nature’s Way will continue to invest in the company’s operations in Nova Scotia.
“Ascenta and Nature’s Way have a shared vision of putting quality and innovation at the forefront of their business in each and every aspect. Ascenta is a very exciting brand and compliments other industry leading brands within the Nature’s Way portfolio.”
For more information on Ascenta Health, visit http://www.ascentahealth.com
About Ascenta Health Ltd.
Ascenta is a leading manufacturer of natural health products. Headquartered in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, the company develops, produces and markets omega-3 supplements for human and animal health. Its human products under the NutraSea and NutraVege brand have a dominant position in the Canadian market with a rapidly growing profile. Most recently, Ascenta launched Spark, an Omega-3 supplement developed to promote brain function, memory and focus. In 2009 Ascenta received $4 million in growth capital from Calgary based Avrio Capital. Ascenta products are sold throughout North America. http://www.ascentahealth.com
About Nature’s Way
A pioneer in herbal supplements, Nature’s Way® is one of the most recognized and trusted consumer brands of dietary supplements. Nature’s way is known for its expansive line of whole herbs, standardized extracts, vitamins & minerals, and homeopathic remedies. Nature’s Way® products include brands such as Alive!® multi-vitamins, Umcka® Cold Care, Sambucus®, and Primadophilus® probiotics. They offer over 600 premium nutritional and natural products. For more information visit http://www.naturesway.com.
