Video Script for Sharon Leite, Chief Executive Officer
Good morning Team Vitamin Shoppe:
Today, I have some important
news to share with you all news that I believe will positively shape the future of The Vitamin Shoppe.
This morning, on behalf of the board of
directors, we announced that The Vitamin Shoppe has entered into an agreement to be acquired by a company called Liberty Tax, an acquisition and expansion vehicle for one of our largest current shareholders, the investment firm Vintage Capital.
While the details of this merger may sound financially complex, the goal of the transaction is simple: To maximize the value of The Vitamin Shoppe business
and position it for long-term growth and renewed success. All of us on the board strongly believe this deal is in the best interest of all our stakeholders, including our Health Enthusiasts, our valued vendor partners, our shareholders, and our
customers.
The board, as well as our Vitamin Shoppe Leadership Team, believe our new financial partners share our strategic vision to innovate and win
back market share in the vibrant, growing health and wellness sector. The teams at Liberty and Vintage are aligned with our mission to provide our customers with the most trusted solutions, guidance and services that help them become their best
selves, however they define it. They also have the resources and ideas to help us scale that mission to its full potential.
There is no question that
todays retail environment is highly challenging and The Vitamin Shoppe must adapt boldly and execute with precision to reignite our business. I am confident that this new financial structure will enable The Vitamin Shoppe and all of you
to heighten our focus on becoming an agile, customer-first organization that delivers on our quality, innovation and expertise brand pillars in everything we do. By delivering on these 3 qualities it will differentiate ourselves from the
competition, and create a brand that is truly meaningful and resonant in this crowded marketplace.
With this merger, our board of directors, the
leadership team, and our new partners are committed to unlocking the potential within The Vitamin Shoppe as we tap into our collective drive and creativity.
I want to assure you that YOU, our Health Enthusiasts, are the heart and soul of this company and this acquisition is about creating a company and
workplace that allows all of us to thrive and succeed at the highest level. In large part, this merger is driven by your accomplishments: our new partners are investing in your knowledge, your expertise and your experience. And they are confident
that we as a team will achieve even more as we grow and evolve The Vitamin Shoppe into this new chapter.