TSI Group acquires Metabolic Technologies, repositions HMB for healthy aging

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TSI Group Ltd. (Missoula, MT) has acquired Metabolic Technologies LLC. (MTI; Ames, IA), the company responsible for the discovery of beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB). The acquisition aims to integrate TSI’s HBM production, global sales, and business development capabilities with MTI’s intellectual property portfolio, as well as its renowned research and development capabilities.

HMB is popular in sports nutrition for supporting recovery and body composition, but emerging research is pointing to its potential for muscle health support to a consumer base beyond traditional sports nutrition. TSI plans to communicate the benefits of its branded HMB ingredient, myHMB, through an awareness and education growth strategy.

“MyHMB is a well-proven muscle health ingredient that benefits consumers through a dual mechanism that builds muscle mass and strength while preserving muscle as you age,” explained MTI chief operating officer (COO) Shawn Baier, in a press release. “MyHMB is supported by hundreds of clinical trials with unparalleled safety and efficacy data, all tied to TSI’s proprietary, world-class manufacturing process. Muscle loss impacts everyone as they age, and it plays a crucial role in boosting consumers’ muscle health and quality of life.”

“This acquisition allows us to drastically expand our global market reach and access through globally aligned technical and commercial teams,” said TSI USA president Larry Kolb, in a press release. “We are implementing an aggressive plan that expands myHMB market awareness and education with key brand partners who are highly motivated to take advantage of this untapped growth opportunity. Musculoskeletal joint and bone health categories are mature, multi-billion-dollar categories for food and supplement brands, while the muscle health category remains in its infancy. Muscle health awareness and its importance is just now starting to emerge, especially for the aging population.”