NutriSystem Acquires Nu-Kitchen

The acquisition is expected to enable NutriSystem to capture a greater share of the premium segment of the prepared meal industry, while offering clients an expanded array of new products and ordering options.

10/07/08 NutriSystem, Inc., a leading provider of weight management products and services, announced it has acquired the assets of PowerChow LLC’s Nu-Kitchen, a leading provider of premium, fresh prepared meals designed to promote weight management and healthy living.

The acquisition is expected to enable NutriSystem to capture a greater share of the premium segment of the prepared meal industry, while offering clients an expanded array of new products and ordering options. Founded in 2003, Nu-Kitchen delivers a best-in-class product and unique experience for weight loss dieters as well as those interested in maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle through better eating. Sharing a commitment to offering portion-controlled, heart-healthy, balanced meals, NutriSystem and Nu-Kitchen will continue to serve as their clients’ nutrition partners for life.

“We’re very proud to add Nu-Kitchen to the NutriSystem family,” said Joe Redling, President and Chief Executive Officer of NutriSystem. “We will continue to do everything we can, collectively and collaboratively, to make healthy living more convenient, affordable and rewarding for our clients.”

“This is an exciting day for NutriSystem, as we further our commitment to our clients and offer new choices on the road to a healthier life,” said Will Auchincloss, NutriSystem’s Senior Vice President of Business Development. “We look forward to integrating Nu-Kitchen into our operations and to expanding their footprint across the country.”

Nu-Kitchen co-founders Mark Newhouse and Bryan Janeczko have joined the NutriSystem team to manage the Nu-Kitchen brand and to oversee the expansion of its local daily delivery service. NutriSystem will preserve the Nu-Kitchen brand and product offerings, providing clients with fresh prepared meal options to complement the shelf-stable selections that comprise the company’s NutriSystem Advanced program.

“We are thrilled by NutriSystem’s acquisition of Nu-Kitchen,” said Nu-Kitchen co-founder Mark Newhouse. “NutriSystem’s market leadership in health and weight loss, coupled with its proven expertise as an effective direct marketer, can be readily applied to our business and allow us to quickly grow Nu-Kitchen into the leading brand in fresh meal delivery.”

Nu-Kitchen currently serves clients in greater New York City and delivers a complete day’s worth of meals always fresh and made-to-order on the day that the customer requires them. NutriSystem plans to initially extend Nu-Kitchen’s local daily delivery service from the New York City metropolitan region to the northeastern United States and to eventually develop a national delivery service.

"Mark and I are extremely excited to partner with NutriSystem,” added Nu-Kitchen co-founder Bryan Janeczko. “We believe that by leveraging NutriSystem’s infrastructure, we will significantly enhance our client experience, provide greater online flexibility and client care, and remain focused on creating the best possible culinary experience. All the while, we will build upon our reputation for delivering best in class service to our influential, discerning clients."

Nu-Kitchen uses only 100% whole and natural foods in over 200 meals that appear in rotation on a new weekly menu each week.