Metagenics Acquires Bariatric Advantage Maker

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif.Metagenics Inc. acquired Catalina Lifesciences Inc., the Irvine, Calif.-based maker of Bariatric Advantage®; terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Bariatric Advantage develops micronutrient replacements for weight-loss surgical patients, while Metagenics is a leading provider of medical foods and nutritional products used by health care professionals in lifestyle therapy and addressing chronic health conditions. Catalina Lifesciences will operate a strategic business unit of Metagenics, retaining its executive leadership, products and employees.

Strategic acquisitions are an important part of our growth plans and Bariatric Advantage is a perfect fit for Metagenics. This acquisition extends our therapeutic nutrition and lifestyle programs as solutions for chronic illnesses," said Fred Howard, CEO of Metagenics. Working together, Metagenics and Bariatric Advantage will shape the market in the rapidly growing bariatric nutrition field. We will continue to invest in scientific validation, new product development and distribution to support these programs."

Thomas Kinder, president and CEO, Catalina Lifesciences, commented: Both companies have built superior quality and science into our product lines and services, and have been the innovators in our respective spaces. The additional resources provided by Metagenics research, business systems, and global presence will expand our ability to bring the advantages of our products to a much broader audience of bariatric patients and health care professionals worldwide."