Lactalis, one of the world’s largest dairy companies, has snapped up Protein Works, a UK business centred on protein-packed products.
The privately-owned French group, home to Parmalat milk and Président cheese, said its move for Liverpool-based Protein Works “marks a new step” in its strategy.
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Protein Works, which was set up in 2012, markets products centred on protein including powders, shakes and bars.
“The integration of this innovative company and talented teams strengthens our position in the fast-growing active nutrition market,” Lactalis chairman Emmanuel Besnier said today (1 June).
“By combining our longstanding expertise in dairy proteins and health nutrition with Protein Works’ strong brand and innovative approach, we are confident we can continue to create products that respond to changing consumer expectations in this dynamic and growing category.”
In 2019, UK private-equity firm YFM Equity Partners backed a management buyout at Protein Works.
In a post on LinkedIn, Protein Works said “there is no stronger partner in the world to build the future of protein with than Lactalis”.
It added: “Our missions are so similar. We’re focused on the customer, quality at every touch point and innovation in nutrition. Their scale, supply chain depth and global reach give us the support to do more of what we already do, and allows us to go further, faster.”
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Lactalis said 150 staff from Protein Works have joined the business.
In its statement, Lactalis said Protein Works’ generates annual revenue of around €65m ($75.6m).
According to the most recent accounts lodged with Companies House, the UK business register, Class Delta Ltd, which trades as Protein Works, generated turnover of £55.1m ($74m) in the year to 31 August 2025, a rise of 8.5% on the previous 12 months.
The figures, filed last month, showed 83% of the company’s turnover was generated through direct-to-consumer sales.
Operating profit fell almost 19% amid a rise in administrative expenses. The group made a profit for the year of £5.5m, down from £6.7m in the year before.
