NBTY to Acquire Ester-C

15/08/06 NBTY, Inc., a global manufacturer and marketer of nutritional supplements has entered into a contract to acquire Zila Nutraceuticals, Inc., manufacturer and marketer of the Ester-C nutritional supplement brand. Zila Nutraceuticals Inc. is a business unit of Zila, Inc.

NBTY will purchase the stock of Zila Nutraceuticals Inc. for approximately $40 million in cash, including up to a $3 million contingent payment, which is based upon EBITDA performance. The transaction, which is subject to the approval of Zila, Inc. shareholders, is expected to close by October 2006.

Zila Nutraceuticals had $18 million in net revenue for the nine months ended April 30, 2006.

NBTY Chairman and CEO, Scott Rudolph, said: "The acquisition of Ester-C(R) expands our broad array of superior quality products with a well-recognized brand having strong consumer appeal. Ester-C(R) is known throughout multiple markets including health food stores and mass market retailers and its acquisition represents an opportunity for NBTY to enhance its presence in key markets."