Irvine-based dietary supplements and ingredients maker ChromaDex Corp. said it plans to sell its sole consumer product line, BluScience, to a company in Canada for about $6 million.
ChromaDex launched BluScience early last year, using its patented antioxidant pTeroPure, which is extracted from blueberries and billed as a way to lower blood pressure. The brand is sold through more than 15,000 retail locations in the U.S., including GNC and Walgreens stores.
ChromaDex, which trades over the counter, had annual revenue of $8.1 million in 2011, the latest annual data available. It lost $7.9 million that year.
Canada-based NeutriSci International Inc. is privately held and does not release financial information. It has offices in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City, as well Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand.
NeutriSci has so far paid a $250,000 deposit for BluScience to be applied toward the total cost of the deal, which is expected to be made with a combination of cash, stock and senior secured debt.
ChromaDex will retain ownership of its patented pTeroPure substance.
NeutriSci Chief Executive Keith Bushfield said his company looks forward to expanding BluScience from its current North American market, “starting with our vast network in Southeast Asia.”
The transaction is expected to close by the end of March.
—Jane Yu
