MeriCal Acquires Global Health Industries to Create Leader in Probiotics

MeriCal, LLC ("MeriCal"), an Anaheim, CA developer, manufacturer, and packager of probiotic and other nutritional supplements owned by Linden Capital Partners, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Ogden, UT-headquartered Global Health Industries ("GHI").

GHI is a respected player in the industry best known for its highly specialized approach to probiotic manufacturing and packaging including bacteria, spores, and yeast products. GHI also boasts strong multi-level marketing and branded manufacturing and sales expertise. MeriCal CEO Brian Smith says the acquisition is MeriCal's next step in its strategy to become the leading developer and manufacturer in the probiotic segment of the Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements industry.

"We are excited at the prospect of combining our respective resources. Among other benefits, Global Health Industries will gain access to our industry leading R&D capabilities, which we are confident will lead to expanded demand for our innovative products," said Smith. "GHI's unique spore manufacturing and packaging operation will add to MeriCal's existing capabilities. Together, we will continue to strive to become the clear leader in probiotic and supplement contract manufacturing – one of the goals we set out to achieve after last year's acquisition of MeriCal by Linden."

Added GHI's CEO Kim Wheelwright, "Though both companies have demonstrated success in their respective MLM customer bases, the combination of MeriCal's #1 market position in the private label retail space for large, blue chip customers combined with our broad, branded customer base make the combined company extremely powerful." The collective organization will employ nearly 550 individuals at 6 sites across the U.S.

About MeriCal, LLC
MeriCal, LLC is a recognized industry leader in the production of high-quality probiotic and other nutritional supplement products.  The company provides value-added contract manufacturing and custom bottling and packaging services along with a broad range of laboratory support services to several of the most recognized retailers and nutritional supplement brands in the industry.  For more information visit www.merical.com

About Global Health Industries
Founded in 1980, Global Health Industries has emerged as one of the nation's leading providers of nutritional supplements with an emphasis on its highly specialized probiotic manufacturing capabilities. Among its many certifications is an award of GMP compliance as a manufacturer of complementary medicines by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia. For more information visit www.globalhealthindustries.com

About Linden Capital Partners
Linden Capital Partners is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused exclusively on leveraged buyouts in the healthcare and life sciences industries.  Linden's strategy is based upon three elements -- 1) healthcare and life science industry specialization 2) integrated private equity and operating expertise and 3) strategic relationships with large corporations.  Linden Capital acquired MeriCal in late 2016.  For more information visit www.lindenllc.com