Key Takeaways
- • Unilever is exploring a bid for Thorne, a US-based supplements maker currently valued at up to $4 billion, according to Financial Times reporting on June 26, 2026.
- • Thorne is being divested by L Catterton (LVMH-backed private equity), which acquired the company for $680 million in 2023, and the business has achieved a 30% compound annual growth rate since that acquisition.
- • Unilever faces competitive bidding from Haleon, a consumer healthcare company, among other strategic bidders for the South Carolina-based supplements manufacturer.
- • Thorne generated over $500 million in annual revenue in 2025 and is projected to reach $650 million in sales for 2026, demonstrating strong growth momentum in the dietary supplements market.
- • This potential acquisition aligns with Unilever's strategic acceleration into beauty and wellness categories, following prior deals including Liquid IV (hydration sachets), Nutrafol (hair growth supplements), and other wellness brands.
Summary
Unilever is actively exploring an acquisition of Thorne, a US supplements manufacturer valued at up to $4 billion, as reported by the Financial Times on June 26, 2026. The move reflects the consumer goods conglomerate's accelerating pivot toward beauty and wellbeing brands in response to shifting consumer preferences and portfolio diversification goals. Thorne, based in South Carolina, specializes in dietary supplements including magnesium and omega-3 products, primarily serving the US market.
The sale process is driven by L Catterton, the LVMH-backed private equity firm that acquired Thorne in 2023 for $680 million. The company has demonstrated exceptional growth under L Catterton's ownership, achieving a 30% compound annual growth rate and surpassing $500 million in annual revenue in 2025. Management projects 2026 sales to reach approximately $650 million, underscoring the business's trajectory and appeal to strategic buyers. According to Reuters, Haleon, a consumer healthcare company, has also submitted a bid for Thorne, placing Unilever in competitive tension for the asset.
Unilever's interest in Thorne represents a continuation of its wellness acquisition strategy. Recent years have seen the company expand beyond traditional consumer goods through the purchases of Liquid IV (hydration sachet brand), Nutrafol (hair growth supplement brand), and several other wellness-focused brands. These moves position Unilever to capture demand in the high-growth supplementation and personal wellness markets, where consumer spending and category penetration continue to expand. Both Unilever and L Catterton declined to comment on the transaction, and Thorne did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the bidding process.
The sale process is driven by L Catterton, the LVMH-backed private equity firm that acquired Thorne in 2023 for $680 million. The company has demonstrated exceptional growth under L Catterton's ownership, achieving a 30% compound annual growth rate and surpassing $500 million in annual revenue in 2025. Management projects 2026 sales to reach approximately $650 million, underscoring the business's trajectory and appeal to strategic buyers. According to Reuters, Haleon, a consumer healthcare company, has also submitted a bid for Thorne, placing Unilever in competitive tension for the asset.
Unilever's interest in Thorne represents a continuation of its wellness acquisition strategy. Recent years have seen the company expand beyond traditional consumer goods through the purchases of Liquid IV (hydration sachet brand), Nutrafol (hair growth supplement brand), and several other wellness-focused brands. These moves position Unilever to capture demand in the high-growth supplementation and personal wellness markets, where consumer spending and category penetration continue to expand. Both Unilever and L Catterton declined to comment on the transaction, and Thorne did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the bidding process.
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