Nichols, the soft drinks group behind Vimto, has acquired the functional drinks brand VITHIT for €75m (about £64m) in cash, in a move to build its presence in the fast-growing health and wellness end of the market.
The AIM-listed company said the deal, struck on a debt-free, cash-free basis, would be immediately earnings-enhancing.
The deal gives Nichols additional exposure to the trend toward healthier drinks and food products, which has become one of the fastest-growing areas of the consumer goods market.
VITHIT, founded in Dublin in 2001, makes low-calorie, low-sugar drinks fortified with vitamins and holds leading positions in the UK and Ireland, with a presence in 13 other markets.
For the year to December 2025, VITHIT generated revenue of €26.5m, up more than 90% since 2021, with adjusted operating profit of €4.2m.
Nichols said the “asset-light” business is a strong strategic fit and should deliver annual synergies of more than €1m, with scope to accelerate its growth by leveraging Nichols’ distribution network and customer relationships, both in the UK and overseas.
The purchase is being funded from cash on Nichols’ balance sheet, leaving the group net cash-positive, and is supported by a new revolving credit facility from NatWest for working capital.
Andrew Milne, Chief Executive Officer of Nichols plc, said: “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of VITHIT – an outstanding brand with a differentiated product operating in a rapidly growing soft drinks category. With its established market position, alignment with our asset-light operating model, proven profitability and significant headroom for growth, VITHIT perfectly fits the acquisition profile we have been looking for and is fully aligned with our long-term growth strategy.”