The Acquisition by Gryphon Investors
In October 2021, private equity firm Gryphon Investors announced an agreement to acquire Metagenics from Alticor Inc., with the deal closing in the fourth quarter of that year. Gryphon partnered with Metagenics' leadership to continue the brand's mission. This acquisition aligned Metagenics with an investment firm and represented an investment in the growing consumer health and wellness category for Gryphon.
A Historical Look at Ownership: The Alticor/Amway Era
Before Gryphon Investors, Metagenics was part of Alticor Inc., the parent company of Amway. Alticor acquired a majority stake in Metagenics in 2009. This partnership was presented as a joint venture, highlighting a shared commitment to nutrition and wellness. Metagenics operated as a standalone entity serving healthcare professionals, separate from Amway's direct-selling model. This arrangement lasted for over a decade until the sale to Gryphon in 2021.
The Journey: A Timeline of Metagenics' Ownership
Here is a snapshot of Metagenics' corporate history:
- Founded (1983): Metagenics was originally founded in 1983.
- Bison Capital Investment (Circa 2009): Bison Capital held an investment in Metagenics which was later sold to facilitate the Alticor partnership.
- Majority Stake by Alticor (2009): Alticor acquired a substantial ownership interest.
- Gryphon Investors Acquisition (2021): Gryphon Investors acquired Metagenics from Alticor.
- Acquisition of Subsidiaries (Ongoing): Under Gryphon, Metagenics has acquired companies like Nutri Advanced in the UK and Amipro in South Africa.
A Comparison of Ownership Eras
Understanding the different owners can shed light on Metagenics' strategic direction. The table below compares the two most significant corporate owners.
| Feature | Alticor Inc. (Amway Parent) | Gryphon Investors (Private Equity Firm) |
|---|---|---|
| Company Type | Large Global Conglomerate (Direct Selling Model) | Private Equity Firm (Investment-focused) |
| Acquisition Year | 2009 (Majority Stake) | 2021 (Full Acquisition) |
| Primary Focus | Strategic brand fit, leveraging health and wellness market synergy. | Profitably growing and competitively enhancing middle-market companies. |
| Core Strategy | Complement existing brands like Nutrilite within a family of businesses. | Investing in high-growth segments of the dietary supplement market. |
Metagenics' Operations and Expansion under New Leadership
Under Gryphon's ownership, Metagenics has continued to expand globally. The company's headquarters remain in California, with a strong international presence. Metagenics has acquired regional partners to integrate into its global strategy, aligning with private equity's focus on scaling operations. Metagenics has also pursued B Corp certification, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. This growth reflects the typical strategy of a private equity-backed company, with Gryphon's expertise and capital supporting Metagenics' future growth. The focus on innovative, science-based nutritional products remains central to the company's identity and appeal to healthcare professionals.
For more information on Gryphon's investment philosophy, you can visit their website.
Conclusion: What the Ownership Means for Consumers
Gryphon Investors is the current parent company of Metagenics, having acquired the brand from Alticor in 2021. This shift to a private equity firm signals a focus on investment-driven growth and market expansion. For consumers and practitioners, this change likely means continued innovation and an expanded portfolio of science-based nutritional supplements, supported by a partner dedicated to scaling the business. The ownership change reinforces Metagenics' core mission while providing resources for sustainable development and broader global reach.
