Windfall for Dragons' Den star as Perfectil maker Vitabiotics sold to US predator Bain for £900m

See more This is Money on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Updated: 11:20 EDT, 24 July 2026 Dragons’ Den star Tej Lalvani is in line for a huge windfall after his family business, the Perfectil maker Vitabiotics, was sold to a US private equity firm for £900million.The British firm, which also owns brands including Pregnacare and Wellwoman, has been acquired by Bain Capital.It is the latest example of a US predator making a swoop on a British company after a slew of takeovers this summer.And it means the business, the largest vitamins company in the country, is saying goodbye to five decades of family ownership.Celebrity ambassadors of the group’s brands range from model David Gandy to television presenters Tess Daly and Davina McCall. Vitabiotics is understood to have been sold for £900m, meaning a huge payday for its founding family.Tej Lalvani, 52, the group’s chief executive who is best known for appearing as an investor on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den between 2017 and 2021, said: ‘This marks a defining moment in Vitabiotics’ journey.‘I'm incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to build on my father's vision to harness the power of science and nutrition to improve everyday health and, together with our exceptional team, help transform Vitabiotics from a British family business into one of the world's most trusted vitamin and wellness companies.’His father, Professor Kartar Lalvani, now 94, founded the business in 1971 and is also set to reap the rewards of the sale. He will take on an honorary role as chairman emeritus at the group under its new owners.The Lalvani family are thought to be worth around £525million, according to The Sunday Times Rich List.Boston-based Bain insisted that the UK would remain ‘central’ to the business, which is presently headquartered in London. Bain said there would be ‘no immediate changes to day-to-day operations.’Bain is best-known for its unsuccessful takeover attempt of British insurance mutual LV for £530million in 2021.The group’s interest in Vitabiotics was reported at the start of the year, when it was also revealed that Blackstone, the co-owner of Legoland empire Merlin Entertainments, was also interested.The sale comes amid fears that Britain is losing businesses to foreign predators buying them up cheaply.Californian investment trust Prologis has convinced the board of FTSE 100 warehouse and data centre giant Segro to back a £14billion approach.Segro is the fifth and biggest FTSE 100 firm to back a takeover this year, following lab testing firm Intertek, Lloyd’s of London insurer Beazley, City institution Schroders and energy group DCC.Other targets include easyJet, Rotork, Mitie and Tate & Lyle.DIY INVESTING PLATFORMSAJ BellAJ BellEasy investing and ready-made portfoliosHargreaves LansdownHargreaves LansdownFree fund dealing and investment ideasinteractive investorinteractive investorFlat-fee investing from £4.99 per monthFreetradeFreetradeInvesting Isa now free on basic planTrading 212Trading 212Free share dealing and no account feeAffiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence.Compare the best investing account for you