NEW YORK — Pfizer Inc. has acquired Alacer Corp., the maker and distributor of Emergen-C products, the nation’s largest-selling branded vitamin C product line.
Financial terms of the deal, announced Monday, weren’t disclosed.
"We are very pleased that the Emergen-C family of products will become part of Pfizer’s portfolio. We expect that our global network and deep expertise in dietary supplements combined with our desire to provide consumers with high-quality products will make Emergen-C more accessible than it has ever been before," Paul Sturman, president of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, said in a statement. "Emergen-C products add to and greatly complement our market-leading dietary supplement portfolio."
Foothill Ranch, Calif.-based Alacer produces about 500 million packets of Emergen-C annually, and its products are sold in health food stores, supermarkets, drug stores, mass merchandisers and club stores nationwide, according to Pfizer.
An effervescent, powdered drink mix vitamin supplement, Emergen-C is designed to support active and healthy lifestyles. The brand comes in more than 15 flavors, and each of the seven lines of Emergen-C is packed with nutrients, vitamins C and B, electrolytes and antioxidants, according to the company. Specialty formulations include Emergen-C Kidz for children and specialized formulas that support health needs such as joint health and heart health.
"Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Alacer and the Emergen-C health and wellness brand. It is a unique opportunity to join one of the world’s top performing consumer health care businesses," commented Ron Fugate, president and chief executive officer of Alacer. "By becoming part of Pfizer, we can access the resources and reach that will help us support healthy, active lifestyles across the globe."
