Headquartered in Belgium, EMPWR specialises in the manufacture of nutrition bars and has been a long-standing production partner to Vitamin Well Group. The company produces Barebells protein bars for markets worldwide and operates four manufacturing facilities across Croatia, the Netherlands, the United States and Canada. EMPWR employs more than 1,500 people and serves over 100 customers globally.
The acquisition brings Barebells’ key manufacturing partner into the Vitamin Well Group, enabling further investment in production capacity and supporting continued volume growth. The transaction is also expected to strengthen innovation within the protein bar category and accelerate the development of new products. Completion is expected in Q4 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
This was a joint effort by NautaDutilh's Dutch and Belgian teams, working in close collaboration with Vinge (Swedish counsel), Covington & Burling, Gowling WLG and DTB (Croatian counsel).
The NautaDutilh team was led by Joost den Engelsman and Philippe Remels, and further consisted of Philippe François, Ruben Vermang, Nathalie van Landuyt, Annefleur van Oel, Rinus Berculo, Gurgen Hakopian, Ruben Martens, Bart Vis, Simon Houberg, Florence Verhoestraete, Jelle Schuermans, Ariane Regout, Alexander Roels, Alexander Agten, Frédérique Czanik, Jill van Overbeke, Mariman Mohamed Adem, Beike Baaijens, Lisse Offringa, Sanne Draaisma, Claire Nelissen, Robin Winten, Céline Hennink and Meike de Groot.
