Morgan Stanley Capital Partners Acquires VetriScience Parent Company FoodScience

Investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Capital Partners (MSCP), the middle-market focused private equity team at Morgan Stanley Investment Management, have acquired FoodScience, a vertically integrated provider of pet and human nutritional supplements, from Wind Point Partners. Sharon Rossi will continue as FoodScience’s chief executive officer.

Headquartered in Williston, Vermont, FoodScience drives a science-first approach to formulate, manufacture, market, and distribute nutritional supplements for pets and humans. FoodScience offers a broad portfolio of nutritional supplements through VetriScience, DaVinci and Pet Naturals brands, as well as private label and custom formulation offerings.

Commenting on the acquisition, James Stewart, managing director and co-head of consumer investing at MSCP, said: “We were drawn to FoodScience’s more than 50-year history, stellar reputation and mission to help people and pets live healthier lives. Under Sharon’s leadership, they have built a leading platform dedicated to delivering safe, effective, and innovative brands while serving as the partner of choice to FoodScience’s contract manufacturing customers. We look forward to working together as we collectively seek to build on and expand the exceptional product portfolio through continued organic growth and M&A.”

“MSCP’s investment serves as a further testament to FoodScience’s legacy and mission-driven culture,” said Rossi. “We are excited to partner with the MSCP team and look forward to leveraging their network and expertise in the pet and animal health sector to accelerate our growth both organically and through strategic acquisitions.”

MSCP’s acquisition of FoodScience represents its third investment in the pet and animal health sector, following the successful 2020 exits of Compana Pet Brands (formerly known as Manna Pro) and Thrive Pet Healthcare (formerly known as Pathway Vet Alliance).

Jones Day acted as legal counsel and William Blair acted as exclusive financial advisor to MSCP.