Holland & Barrett acquires Belgian health store chain

The parent company of the British health store chain Holland & Barrett, NBTY Europe, has acquired the Belgian health and wellness chain Essenza, writes the Retail Times’ Fiona Briggs. The acquisition will see Essenza’s Flanders–based chain join NBTY Europe’s 934 stores. These consist of 704 Holland & Barrett stores in the UK and Ireland, plus 53 International franchise stores, 57 GNC stores in the UK and 120 De Tuinen stores in The Netherlands. The acquisition of Essenza’s stores in Belgium will complement NBTY Europe’s successful De Tuinen brand in the Netherlands as part of the ongoing plan to grow the group’s European presence in the specialist health food and natural remedies sector. Melissa Hellebuyck, the CEO of the Essenza chain will remain in the business to manage the transition, with assistance from the De Tuinen management team. Further terms of the investment were not disclosed. “This is an important acquisition for NBTY Europe as it fits perfectly with our wellness strategy and adds further to our aim of being at the forefront of health retailing in Europe,” said Peter Aldis, chief executive officer of NBTY Europe.  “We share common values with Essenza in striving for retailing and customer service excellence. We have set ambitious expansion plans for growing the business in Belgium following the success of our Holland & Barrett and De Tuinen brands. I am looking forward to working with Melissa and her team to make sure the transition is seamless.”