Albion Acquires P&G's NutriStar® Drink Mix Business

CLEARFIELD, UtahAlbion Laboratories Inc. acquired Procter & Gamble's NutriStar® drink mix business, gaining hundreds of intellectual property (IP) assets. The agreement includes the transfer of 102 patents and 51 trademarks previously owned by P&G throughout the world.

NutriStar is a patented, shelf-stable powdered drink mix containing micronutrients essential to human development, including Albions Ferrochel iron, iodine and vitamin A. According to Alibion, NutriStar has been clinically proven to improve micronutrient status of children, making them taller, stronger, smarter."

P&G launched NutriStar in early 2000, targeting developing markets with the nutritional powdered beverage designed to help kids grow while also boosting mental alertness and performance. While lauded for both its clinical results and mission, P&G was not able to secure broad market adoption, despite heavily investing in extensive educational campaigns.

We continue to have great passion for this product and the technology behind it, but we also clearly see that getting it into the hands of those who need it most calls for a very different business model," said Jeff Weedman, vice president P&G global business development. "We have been working with Albion Laboratories for several years and view this as a truly win-win-win arrangement. Good technology is now in the hands of those who know this field the best and are best positioned to leverage it to deliver maximum benefit."

Max R. Motyka, Director of Sales & Marketing, Albion, said , the company is planning its next steps, and said,  "Some of what we are doing now cant be shared until we are set. Food companies really dont like letting the cat out of the bag until certain. Competition is  tough," he said, adding, " Albion keeps an open view about the possibility of considering other businesses or business lines for acquisition. We evaluate strategic options on a regular basis. We are already experiencing interest in our new potential." He noted Albion will continue to collaborate with P&G for upcoming business opportunities.

Albion Human Nutritions sales division said this acquisition further expands Albions business supplying ingredients to the food and food additive spaces, including powdered beverages and ready-to-drink beverages. The growth of this business complements Albions position as a global supplier of specialty mineral ingredients to the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmeceutical markets.

Albion was recently recognized for its global presence by winning Zions Banks 2011 Global Pacesetter Award, which recognizes Utah companies that demonstrate a broad international reach and global economic leadership.