Private investment firm Bain Capital has reached an agreement to acquire the 55-year-old British vitamin manufacturer Vitabiotics. The deal also includes the company's business in India, Meyer Organics, and its operations in Africa. This decision is driven by the firm's focus on the growing global demand for vitamins and dietary supplements.
Although the financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, sources familiar with the matter reported that the deal is valued at approximately $1.2 billion. The acquisition merges Bain Capital's healthcare and consumer investment platform with Vitabiotics' vitamin and supplement manufacturing business, aiming to support international expansion.
The UK will remain the company's base, and no immediate changes to operational activities are expected. However, Bain plans to invest in developing digital capabilities, e-commerce, international distribution, supply chains, and new product development.
The investments will be led by Bain Capital's Asian private equity team with support from the firm's global platform. The goal is to expand Vitabiotics into key markets, including China, the Middle East, and India.
Pavan Singh, a partner at Bain Capital, noted that Vitabiotics fits the type of business the firm supports: 'it is a reliable, science-backed brand platform with category leadership, a strong base of trust among healthcare professionals, and a significant presence in the UK, India, the Middle East, Africa, and China.'
Rishi Mandawat, another Bain Capital partner, emphasized that they see significant potential to help Vitabiotics strengthen its leadership in the UK and enhance its global platform. He assured that Bain Capital will provide industry expertise, portfolio resources, and local market knowledge to support innovation, e-commerce, international distribution, and operational capabilities.
Vitabiotics was founded in 1971 by entrepreneur and scientist Carter Lalwani. He transformed the company into one of the most well-known manufacturers of vitamins and dietary supplements in the UK, creating brands covering numerous health categories.
Under the leadership of CEO Tej Lalwani, who managed the business for over ten years after more than thirty years with the company, Vitabiotics expanded through new product launches and partnerships. Following the completion of the deal, founder Carter Lalwani will take on the role of honorary chairman, while his elder son Ajit Lalwani will continue as non-executive director.
Tej Lalwani, CEO of Vitabiotics, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to develop his father's vision, using the power of science and nutrition to improve daily health. He stated that the goal is not to change the essence of the company but to accelerate its potential. With the global expertise and investment of Bain Capital, the company has gained a unique chance to expand internationally, accelerate innovation, and bring its proven brands to millions of consumers while maintaining the scientific principles, quality, and values that have defined Vitabiotics for over 55 years.
Vitabiotics has already expanded its operations to markets such as India, China, Egypt, and the Middle East, in addition to its UK business. Its product line includes brands such as Pregnacare, Perfectil, Wellman, Wellwoman, Osteocare, and the Ultra series.
The analysis of the best-selling vehicles during the first half of 2026 presented several unexpected results in the automotive market. Chinese manufacturers demonstrated significant growth, expanding their presence with new models and maintaining competitive prices.
Four brands of Eastern origin achieved leadership in important segments, including subcompact hatch, large sedan, mid-to-large SUV, and large SUV. Furthermore, these same brands dominated two subsegments defined by propulsion type: hybrid and electric vehicles.
Other notable movements occurred in specific categories. In compact sedans, the HB20 surpassed the Onix by a very narrow margin. In the compact SUV segment, Volkswagen positioned the T-Cross and Tera in the top two places. In small pickup trucks, the Strada reinforced its leadership, raising its market share to 69%, up from 59% previously. In the sports car sector, the 911 consolidated its dominance, reaching 65% of the segment, an increase from the 56% recorded before.
The ranking presented in the column uses technical and proprietary criteria, classifying vehicles into 14 distinct categories, plus two specific categories for hybrid and electric vehicles. The main reference used was wheelbase, along with other relevant parameters. The study excluded high-end sedans with low sales volume and minivans due to a lack of options. The data was compiled based on the National Motor Vehicle Registry (Renavam) and only cites models that have the greatest representation within their respective segments. The compilation was carried out by Tião Oliveira, from the ADK consultancy.
In the best-selling subcompact hatch segment, the Dolphin Mini led with 35%, followed by the Mobi with 33% and the Kwid with 31%, marking the rise of a new leader.
For the compact hatch, the Polo remained strong with 27%, while the Argo came in second with 23%, followed by the Onix with 22%. The HB20 registered 19%, and the C3, City, and 208 models appeared with smaller shares (3.3%, 3%, and 1.4%, respectively).
In the compact sedan category, the HB20S led with 25.5%, with the Onix Plus closely behind at 24.8%, and the Virtus in third with 20%. The Cronos accounted for 15%, while the City and Versa held 9% and 5% of the share, respectively.
In mid-compact sedans, the Corolla showed resilience, capturing 56% of the market, surpassing the King (35%) and the Jetta (4%).
Mid-to-large sedans featured the BMW 3/4 Series as invincible, with 65% market share, followed by the Mercedes C-Class (19%) and Audi A5/RS5 (14%).
In the large sedan segment, the Seal obtained the lead with 73%, with the model's price cited as an explanatory factor, followed by the Panamera (14%) and Class E (6%).
In the sports category, the Mustang remained relevant with 44%, while the BMW M3/M4 reached 28% and the BMW M2 was at 24%.
In the sport segment, the 911 expanded its dominance, reaching 65%, ahead of the Corvette (11%) and Boxster/Cayman (10%).
Among the best-selling compact SUVs, the T-Cross led with 11%, followed by the Tera (10%), Creta (8%), Tracker (6.8%), Nivus (6.7%), Pulse (6%), Fastback (5.8%), HR-V (5.3%), Renegade (5%), WR-V (4%), Kicks (3.9%), Tiggo 5X (3.7%), and Yaris Cross (3.6%). The two VW models commanded this segment.
In the mid-compact SUV group, the Compass maintained the first position with 24%, followed by the Corolla Cross (16.3%) and Song Pro (15.6%).
Mid-to-large SUVs saw the H6 increase its advantage, holding 21%, while the Song Plus registered 14% and Commander 9%.
In the large SUV segment, there was a Chinese triumph, with the Wey 7 in first place with 19%, followed by the Atto 8 (13%) and Cayenne (11%).
In small pickup trucks, the Strada advanced even further, reaching 69% market share, surpassing the Saveiro (19%) and Montana (7%).
Mid-sized pickup trucks (with a load capacity of 1,000 kg) showed the Toro defending its position with 23%, followed by the Hilux (21%), Ranger (15%), and S10 (13%).
In hybrid vehicles, the competition is tight, with the Jaecoo at 7.4%, H6 at 3.7%, and Renegade at 3.6%. Finally, in the ranking of best-selling electric cars, the Dolphin Mini prevailed with 38%, followed by the Dolphin (19%) and EX2 (16%), indicating the strength of BYD.
The fintech company PhonePe, the largest Unified Payments Interface (UPI) application in India by transaction volume, reported an increase in net loss to ₹2,791.59 crore in the fiscal year 2025-26 (FY26). This figure is higher than the ₹1,727.41 crore recorded in FY25, even with an 11.5% year-on-year revenue growth.
The Bengaluru-based company generated revenue of ₹7,920.48 crore in FY26, compared to ₹7,105.01 crore in FY25. However, PhonePe's total expenses rose to ₹10,588.51 crore in FY26, which is 16% more than the ₹9,116.54 crore in FY25.
In March, the company temporarily suspended its Initial Public Offering plans due to market instability and the conflict in the Middle East. One significant factor affecting revenue was the cessation of income from rent and related categories following guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
This category previously accounted for 17.89% of PhonePe's revenue in FY25 and 22.72% in FY24. In the first half of FY26, it contributed 13.44% of the company's total revenue. Furthermore, the ban on real money gaming (RMG) last year reduced the contribution to revenue that previously came from payment services and advertising. In FY25, this segment constituted about 3.5%, and in FY24, 4.65%; in the first half of FY26, its share was only 1.84%.
In recent months, the fintech company has also faced a series of senior management departures. Vishal Gupta, head of PhonePe's insurance division, left this month to launch his own startup after more than ten years with the company. In June, Akash Dongre, co-founder and product director of PhonePe's Indus Appstore, departed. May saw the exit of Ujwal Jain, CEO of PhonePe Share.Market brokerage platform.
In contrast, industry competitor Paytm earned ₹8,437 crore in operating revenue in FY26, while the company posted a net profit of ₹553 crore.
Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told the Russian press that a decision was made to extend the ban on gasoline exports for both producers and non-producers. This ban will be in effect until the end of the current year.
Regarding the ban on diesel fuel exports, according to the deputy prime minister, it will be lifted as the market recovers.
The deputy prime minister explained that this measure is aimed at preventing problems that oil refineries may face due to excess supply and reduced processing capacities. To mitigate the current situation, the Government has introduced a number of measures, including a ban on the export of gasoline and diesel fuel.
At the same time, Russian officials noted that the completion of restoration work at some refineries has allowed for increased supplies to the market and stabilization of the situation.
On July 10, Russia's deputy prime minister acknowledged the fuel shortage and queues at gas stations. At that time, he linked this to Ukraine's attacks on energy infrastructure, previously attributing the problem to increased demand caused by consumer panic.
Ukraine regularly strikes Russian oil refining industry facilities and the country's logistics structures with drones. According to international press reports, the fuel crisis caused by Ukraine's attacks on Russian refineries affects about one-third of the approximately 145 million residents of the Russian territory.
