Deals case study

Strategic deal for family business

Two hands, one holding  three pills the other holding a glass of water
  • Case Study
  • May 08, 2019

Client

Probiotics International Limited (PIL)

Industry

Consumer markets

Services

Deals

Client territory

United Kingdom

Chapter 1 Our role

PwC located bidders on three continents. Following a competitive auction process, finding the right strategic fit in Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), who was prepared to pay £185m for the business.

Chapter 2 Client challenge

In 2018, the owners of family-held PIL decided it was time to sell the firm. Sales of its probiotic supplements for people, pets, and livestock were taking off, so the timing made sense. But the owners also wanted to find a good home for their firm, one with the R&D and marketing resources needed to propel their products to the next level of growth.

 

“Our long-standing relationship with PwC has resulted in exceeding our shareholders’ expectations. PwC guided us seamlessly through every stage of the deal. The advice and support they’ve given our shareholders and management has been invaluable, and we are delighted with the highly efficient and effective process.”

Chapter 3 Approach

PwC reached out to a focused list of potential strategic buyers and private equity houses across three continents. By “warming up” these handpicked candidates, PwC sparked a highly competitive, selective process that yielded a high percentage of serious bids. Following the final round of bids, ADM emerged as the top suitor. In addition to a competitive price, ADM offered extensive international reach that would make it easier for PIL to tap into new markets. Moreover, PIL’s animal and human nutrition solutions complemented those of Biopolis, an ADM portfolio company whose research and development supported the same product area.

Chapter 4 Impact

PwC delivered on the sellers’ two key goals: achieving a good multiple in the company’s sale and finding the right owner to take the company forward. Today, PIL is doing business as ADM Protexin, part of ADM’s fast-growing Health and Wellness division. Its line of human and animal health and wellness products, including its popular Bio-Kult® and Lepicol® brands, are a good fit with ADM’s strategy; better still, it is helping advance ADM’s long-term goal of developing a large, world-class integrated probiotics and nutraceuticals business.

"PwC is proud to have contributed to this successful outcome for PIL’s shareholders and management team. The business has achieved incredible growth, and this transaction will allow that growth to continue with ADM as its owner."

Neil SuttonPartner, Global Deals Leader Consumer Markets, PwC UK

Let us be part of your success story

Reach out to start a conversation

Neil Sutton

Asia Pacific Corporate Finance Leader, PwC Hong Kong

Email

Let us be part of your success story

Reach out to start a conversation

Neil Sutton

Asia Pacific Corporate Finance Leader, PwC Hong Kong

Email

Strategy + business, a PwC publication

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