Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Zarbee’s, Inc., a privately held company that is a leader in naturally-based healthcare products. The acquisition will include the full line of Zarbee’s Naturals products for children and adults. Financial terms were not disclosed.
 
Zarbee’s Naturals is majority owned by the Growth Fund of L Catterton in partnership with various minority owners including Sorenson Capital. The transaction is expected to close during the third quarter of 2018.
 
Zarbee’s Naturals was founded in 2008 by Dr. Zak Zarbock, a pediatrician who was inspired to create safe, wholesome and effective alternatives to traditional OTC medicines. His first product was a honey-based kids’ cough syrup made with vitamin C and zinc and free of alcohol, drugs, and artificial flavors. Over the last decade, Zarbee’s Naturals has grown into a broad-based health and wellness brand and has disrupted the cough, sleep, immune support and vitamin categories with its portfolio of family-friendly products. 
 
“Zarbee’s is a values-driven company that was founded on and has achieved significant growth by meeting the evolving health needs of today’s families,” said Katie Devine, global president, OTC franchise, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. “As a global OTC leader, Johnson & Johnson Consumer shares in this vision and is committed to providing innovative healthcare solutions that satisfy the preferences of consumers.”
 
“Through Zarbee’s Naturals, we are excited to bring a more comprehensive set of products to consumers within our core need states,” said Kathy Widmer, president, U.S. OTC, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. “The Zarbee’s team has achieved tremendous success in the marketplace and we are excited to be a part of their future growth. Upon closing of the transaction, we look forward to working closely with the Zarbee’s team as they join the Johnson & Johnson Consumer family.”
 
“We are thrilled by the opportunity to further accelerate our growth as part of Johnson & Johnson Consumer,” said Bret Furio, CEO of Zarbee’s Naturals. “Over the past 10 years, Zarbee’s has attracted a passionate and loyal consumer following by using simple, natural ingredients and creating effective products for both kids and adults. We are deeply grateful for L Catterton’s partnership and support over the last seven years and for their support in helping us scale and strengthen our business, which enabled us to achieve this exciting milestone with Johnson & Johnson Consumer. I am confident that Johnson & Johnson Consumer will be a great home for both our brand and our people and we will continue to grow and succeed as we enter this exciting new chapter.”
 
The closing of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close during the third quarter of 2018.