Zarbee's Joins Johnson & Johnson Family

Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. is acquiring Zarbee's Naturals, a maker of over-the-counter health products majority-owned by the Growth Fund of L Catterton.

Founded in 2008, Zarbee’s began as a drug-free children's cough syrup brand. Over the last decade, the company has grown into a broad health and wellness brand with a portfolio of natural, better-for-you products.

"We are thrilled by the opportunity to further accelerate our growth as part of Johnson & Johnson Consumer," said chief executive officer Bret Furio. "Over the past 10 years, Zarbee's has attracted a passionate and loyal consumer following by using simple, natural ingredients and creating effective products for both kids and adults ... I am confident that Johnson & Johnson will be a great home for both our brand and our people."

"When we partnered with Zarbee's Naturals in 2011, we saw a great opportunity for the company to essentially build a new consumer category by becoming the leading, trusted, natural health & wellness OTC brand," said Scott Dahnke, global co-CEO of L Catterton. "We are proud of the performance the company has achieved and of the remarkable platform that has been created."

The transaction is expected to close during the third quarter.