Apax-advised funds sign definitive agreement to acquire interest in Ideal Protein

Sep 26 2015

Funds advised by Apax Partners LLP ("Apax"), a global private equity firm, today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire an interest in Ideal Protein, a proprietary weight loss and wellness solutions company. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Ideal Protein has developed a comprehensive protocol that is intended to help individuals successfully achieve and maintain their weight-loss goals. The company has partnered with over 3,000 physician offices, medical clinics, multi-provider practices, chiropractors and pharmacies in the U.S. and Canada who offer and administer the program to dieters. Patients follow a nutritional ketogenic weight loss protocol and receive education and coaching through trained clinic partners. The company was founded in 2004 by Dr. Tran Tien Chanh, a doctor of medicine and nutritional expert, and Olivier Benloulou, an entrepreneur in the food and natural health industries. The founders will continue to have a significant ownership interest in the company following the closing of the transaction.

Buddy Gumina, Partner and Co-Head of Healthcare at Apax Partners, said, "Olivier Benloulou and Dr. Tran Tien Chanh have created an industry-leading platform in the weight-management space. Ideal Protein's unique clinic-partner model has rapidly expanded in the U.S. and Canada, and we look forward to working with the founders and management team to build upon its success and further accelerate growth globally."

"We are thrilled to partner with the Apax Partners team and leverage their vast expertise in healthcare and other sectors," said Olivier Benloulou, President and CEO of Ideal Protein. "As we continue to expand our clinic partnerships, enter new markets and work to help more individuals achieve their weight-loss goals, Apax's resources and deep knowledge of healthcare services will be instrumental."

"We founded Ideal Protein with the vision to revolutionize the approach to helping the over 150 million adults who are overweight in today's market," said Dr. Tran Tien Chanh, co-founder of Ideal Protein. "Many people have achieved success using our weight loss protocol and we look forward to working with Apax to further enhance our services, brand recognition and market presence to take our business to the next level."

Apax is one of the leading global investors in the healthcare sector, having completed more than 100 investments over the last 30 years across multiple geographies in North America, Europe and Asia. The Apax Healthcare team has deep sector expertise in key fields including healthcare services, devices and products, pharmaceuticals and healthcare IT. Current and past healthcare investments include Acelity, One Call Care Management, Genex and TriZetto Corporation in the U.S.; Capio, Unilabs and Mölnlycke in Europe; and Apollo Hospitals in India.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the coming weeks.

Ideal Protein and its Shareholders were advised by Jefferies LLC and PricewaterhouseCoopers Corporate Finance LLC and were represented by McCarthy Tétrault LLP in Canada and by Duane Morris LLP in the United States.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Epstein Becker & Green P.C. and Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP represented Apax Partners. BMO Capital Markets acted as financial advisor to Apax.