Vitamin World, Inc.

Client Profile
Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Holbrook, New York, Vitamin World (“Vitamin World” or the “Company”) is a leading specialty retailer in the vitamins, herbs, minerals and supplements (“VHMS”) market. The Company offers products across all major VHMS and sports nutrition categories. Vitamin World operates across 32 U.S. states and territories and offers its own private label products as well as leading third-party brands.
Situation
After being carved out of its parent company in February 2016, Vitamin World began operations as a standalone retail business. Following the carve-out, the Company experienced challenges related to supply chain and inventory management. Additionally, its profitability suffered due to above-market rents and underperforming stores. These circumstances prompted management to develop strategic initiatives such as recalibrating the store portfolio and reducing fixed costs. In order to implement this operational restructuring plan and strengthen its capital base to fund future growth, Vitamin World filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in September 2017.
Solution
SSG was retained in November 2017 to solicit offers for the business. SSG conducted a comprehensive marketing process that generated four competitive bids to be the stalking horse. China-based Feihe International’s stalking horse offer was ultimately deemed as the highest and best offer. SSG’s ability to solicit offers from global buyers in a fast-tracked process and its experience with Section 363 sale processes enabled the Company to maximize value, preserve jobs and maintain the loyalty of vendors and customers.