Abbott Laboratories' Ross Products division is quickly becoming one of the top suppliers of nutritional supplements in the drug channel with its $320 million purchase of EAS from private equity firm North Castle Partners

Drug Store News, Oct 25, 2004 by Michael Johnsen

Abbott Laboratories' Ross Products division is quickly becoming one of the top suppliers of nutritional supplements in the drug channel with its $320 million purchase of EAS from private equity firm North Castle Partners, the company's second purchase of a nutritional bar manufacturer in as many years. Ross acquired ZonePerfect last year.

Ross Products also manages the adult nutrition brand Ensure.

And while it may seem that Ross is picking up a meal replacement business that is dropping-sales of EAS' flagship AdvantEdge low-carb brand fell 23.6 percent in the drug channel for the 52 weeks ended Sept. 5, according to Information Resources Inc.--there are a lot of positive happenings at EAS.

For starters, EAS is the only company approved by the National Football League Players Association verification program for its Myoplex brand and will be able to market that point of distinction exclusively for at least another year. While Myoplex appeals more to shoppers hitting natural health stores, EAS has plans to launch a Body-for-Life brand of products, which ought to fare better on the mass market. The original weight management self-help guide has sold in excess of 3 million hardcover copies.

"Our [intent] is to have a great nutrition option spanning the entire life of the individual," said Gary McCullough, president of Abbott's Ross Products division.