Grenade to be thrown into deals market

Sports nutrition business Grenade could be sold in the months ahead after it was reported its private equity owner Lion Capital was getting ready to do a deal.

Lion took a majority stake in the Solihull-based business in 2017. The deal valued the company at £72m, double the value of the 2014 deal which saw Grovepoint take control.

Grenade was founded in 2009 by husband-and-wife team Alan and Juliet Barratt selling sports supplements and it has expanded its product range as well now also selling sportswear.

It has made regular appearances in national fast-growth league tables and continues to grow its exports, which account for 30% of its sales.

Grenade has continued to increase its turnover, achieving sales of £40m in 2018 – annualised growth of around 20%.

The Telegraph has reported City sources which say “the ground is being prepared for a sale this year”. The fitness and healthy lifestyle market continues to show growth.