Nichols acquires VITHIT in €75m deal

VITHIT has established a significant presence in the Irish and UK markets, with its products stocked by major retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Boots and WH Smith

Vimto maker Nichols has acquired Irish functional drinks brand VITHIT for €75m, with plans to drive further growth

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Irish functional drinks brand VITHIT has been acquired by UK soft drinks company Nichols, the maker of Vimto, in a deal worth €75 million.

Founded in 2001 by former rugby player Gary Lavin, VITHIT recorded group sales of €26.5 million in 2025, alongside adjusted operating profit of €4.2 million.

The company has delivered 90% sales growth since the end of 2021.

Distribution growth

Nichols said the acquisition represents a strong fit with its strategy, pointing to VITHIT’s established positions in both Ireland and the UK, profitability and potential for further distribution growth.

“With its established market position, alignment with our asset-light operating model, proven profitability and significant headroom for growth, VITHIT perfectly fits the acquisition profile we have been looking for,” said Andrew Milne, chief executive of Nichols.

He added that VITHIT operates in a “rapidly growing soft drinks category” and that there is a “significant opportunity” to expand the brand’s distribution.

VITHIT will retain its Dublin office following the acquisition, while Lavin has stepped away from the business.

Lavin was the majority owner of the company, with members of his family also holding stakes.

Lavin said he was proud of what he and the VITHIT team had achieved over the past 25 years, describing Nichols as the “ideal partner” for the next stage of the brand’s development.

“Nichols brings proven brand-building expertise, strong customer relationships and significant commercial capabilities, while sharing our long-term approach to growth,” he said.

VITHIT has established a significant presence in the Irish and UK markets, with its products stocked by major retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Boots and WH Smith.

The acquisition will be funded through Nichols’ existing cash resources, while a new revolving credit facility with NatWest will provide additional working capital to support expansion.

The deal represents a significant move by Nichols to strengthen its position in the growing functional and better-for-you soft drinks market, while providing VITHIT with access to the wider group’s commercial capabilities and distribution network.

For VITHIT, the acquisition follows more than two decades of independent growth and provides the brand with the backing of an established international soft drinks company as it looks to expand its reach further.

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