Unilever is exploring a potential acquisition of U.S. dietary supplements maker Thorne as the consumer goods company accelerates its expansion into health and wellness under Chief Executive Fernando Fernandez, according to a report published Friday.
The Financial Times reported that Unilever is among several companies evaluating offers for South Carolina-based Thorne, which has been valued at as much as $4 billion and specializes in nutritional supplements, including magnesium, omega-3 products and other wellness formulations sold primarily in the United States.
The possible acquisition would represent another step in Fernandez’s strategy to reshape Unilever’s portfolio after taking over as chief executive in March 2025.
Since assuming leadership, Fernandez has moved to strengthen the company’s presence in faster-growing consumer categories centered on beauty, personal care and wellbeing while reducing reliance on slower-growing traditional food businesses.
Earlier this year, Unilever announced plans to combine its food business with U.S. spice manufacturer McCormick in a separate strategic transaction. The company also agreed to acquire U.S.-based nutritional supplements brand Grüns for an undisclosed amount, further expanding its wellness portfolio.
Neither Unilever nor private equity firm L Catterton, which acquired Thorne in a $680 million deal in 2023, commented on the report.
Thorne also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The sale process has reportedly attracted interest from both financial investors and strategic buyers.
Two people familiar with the matter previously told Reuters that consumer healthcare company Haleon had also submitted a bid for Thorne as competition for the supplements manufacturer intensified.
A Haleon spokesperson declined to comment on market speculation.
Thorne has built its reputation through premium nutritional supplements targeted at health-conscious consumers, a segment that continues to experience steady growth as demand for preventive healthcare and wellness products increases worldwide.
The potential deal reflects the broader shift among major consumer products companies toward businesses offering higher growth prospects than many traditional packaged food and household brands.
For Unilever, the supplements sector has become an increasingly important area of investment over the past several years.
The company acquired hair supplement brand Nutrafol in 2022 after purchasing vitamin maker SmartyPants in 2020 and gummy supplement company Olly Nutrition in 2019, establishing a growing portfolio of wellness-focused brands.
Industry analysts have identified nutritional supplements as one of the fastest-growing segments within consumer healthcare, supported by rising interest in preventive health, fitness and personalized nutrition.
Haleon has likewise expanded its focus beyond traditional over-the-counter medicines by investing in faster-growing consumer health categories, including oral care and wellness products.
Any agreement involving Thorne would further intensify competition among global consumer goods companies seeking exposure to the rapidly expanding nutritional supplements market, where premium brands have attracted increasing interest from both corporate buyers and private equity investors.
While discussions remain ongoing, the reported interest underscores how wellness and nutrition continue to play an increasingly central role in acquisition strategies across the global consumer products industry.
