Western Botanicals Acquires Majority Stake in Yellow Emperor

Western Botanicals (WB Blends), a custom dietary supplement manufacturer in Spanish Fork, UT, backed by the private equity firm The Riverside Company, has entered a strategic partnership to acquire a majority stake in Yellow Emperor, a custom liquid dietary supplement manufacturer based in Eugene, OR.

According to Western Botanicals, Yellow Emperor will continue to operate under its current name, day-to-day operations will remain unchanged, and products will continue to be manufactured in the same facilities.

Western Botanicals said the investment significantly expands its custom liquid manufacturing capabilities and strengthens its position as a formulator and manufacturing partner for health and wellness brands. 

Yellow Emperor specializes in tinctures, extracts, herbals, and other liquid formulations as a Certified Organic Processor operating a cGMP-certified facility.

“Yellow Emperor has earned an outstanding reputation in custom liquid manufacturing, and we’re thrilled to welcome its talented team,” said Western Botanicals CEO Don Shaver. “Together, we’ll offer customers a broader range of capabilities while delivering the quality, flexibility and innovation they rely on.”

For customers of both companies, existing teams, points of contact, commercial terms, and day-to-day operations remain unchanged, the companies said. Products will continue to be manufactured in the same facilities under the same cGMP quality systems and certifications, with no changes to the manufacturing processes. 

“By bringing together the strengths of both organizations, we’re expanding our capabilities while maintaining the quality, service, and relationships our customers rely on every day,” said Scott Matukas, COO of WB Blends. 

“Consumers keep gravitating toward vitamin, mineral, and supplement (VMS) products and natural wellness solutions, creating attractive long-term growth for CDMOs with specialized capabilities,” said Brad Roberts, co-chief investment officer of Riverside’s Capital Appreciation strategy. “Yellow Emperor is a natural complement to Western Botanicals, deepening its liquid platform, strengthening R&D, and opening new ways to serve customers.”

Riverside said it plans to invest behind the combined business, growing its customer base and backing the innovation that drives long-term growth.