Johnson & Johnson acquires natural healthcare brand Zarbee's

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
Jul 31, 2018

New Brunswick, NJ-based pharmaceuticals and self-care multinational Johnson & Johnson (J&J) announced on Monday that it is acquiring natural healthcare brand Zarbee's. 

Zarbee's makes natural healthcare products for adults and children. Founded 10 years ago by a pediatrician, the brand has grown to include a portfolio of products marketed as safe and natural alternatives to vitamins and traditional over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

"Zarbee's is a values-driven company that was founded on and has achieved significant growth by meeting the evolving health needs of today's families," said Katie Devine, global president, OTC Franchise, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., in a statement.

Devine added that the company "is committed to providing innovative healthcare solutions that satisfy the preferences of consumers."

"Through Zarbee's Naturals, we are excited to bring a more comprehensive set of products to consumers within our core need states," said Kathy Widmer, president, U.S. OTC, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.

News of the acquisition comes hot on the heels of a Missouri court ruling that J&J pay a record $4.69 billion to 22 women claiming that use of the company's talc-based products led them to develop ovarian cancer due to the products being contaminated with asbestos. 

Financial terms of J&J's acquisition of Zarbee's were not disclosed. The transaction is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2018.