February 7, 2024 | For Immediate Release

Anaheim, CA (February 7, 2024) – MeriCal, LLC (“MeriCal”), a developer, manufacturer, and packager of probiotic and other nutritional supplements, is pleased to announce the appointments of Eric Bauer as CEO and Jim Hamilton as member of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Bauer brings extensive experience in the nutraceutical manufacturing industry, having previously served as CEO and President of International Vitamin Corporation, where he oversaw manufacturing, sales, and product development activities and initiated a comprehensive re-platforming of the entire U.S. business. Additionally, he previously served as CEO of Coco Republic / HD Buttercup, an interior design and home furnishings retailer, and CFO and COO of True Religion Jeans, a global denim lifestyle brand. Mr. Bauer holds a Master of Business Administration from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles.

“I am honored to join the MeriCal team,” said Mr. Bauer. “I look forward to helping MeriCal build on its strong foundation of high-quality nutritional supplement manufacturing and packaging, with long-standing experience in the fast-growing probiotics segment and the ability to deliver innovative solutions to customers across all channels. We see tremendous runway ahead of us with multiple avenues for growth, and I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to the organization.”

Mr. Hamilton brings over 30 years of experience in the life sciences, health, and nutrition industries. Previously, he was President of DSM Nutritional Products USA, where he also served on the global management team of DSM Nutritional Product’s Human Nutrition business, an organization with over $2 billion in sales and operations in more than 40 countries. Following DSM, Mr. Hamilton served as President, CEO, and Director of both Neptune Wellness Solutions and OmniActive Health Technologies. In addition to Mr. Hamilton’s current advisory roles, he acts as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vitamin Angels, a non-profit organization that provides life-changing vitamins to over 70 million children in need and is a past Chairman of the Board of Directors of CRN (Council for Responsible Nutrition).

Mr. Hamilton joins outgoing interim CEO and Linden Operating Partner Ron Fugate on the MeriCal Board of Directors, where Mr. Fugate will step into the role of Chairman, after having served as a director since 2019.

“I am thrilled to have these talented executives join the MeriCal team and look forward to seeing MeriCal benefit from their insights and guidance as we collectively work to advance the nutritional supplement industry,” said Mr. Fugate. “I have enjoyed my time serving as interim CEO and am excited to further contribute to the organization through my expanded role as Chairman of the Board of Directors.”

About MeriCal, LLC
MeriCal, LLC is a recognized industry leader in the production of high-quality probiotic and other nutritional supplement products. The company provides value-added contract manufacturing and custom bottling and packaging services to several of the most recognized retailers and nutritional supplement brands in the industry, with a broad range of dosage form capabilities, including gummies. For more information, please visit www.merical.com.

About Linden Capital Partners
Linden Capital Partners is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused exclusively on the healthcare industry. Founded in 2004, Linden is the country’s largest dedicated healthcare private equity firm by total capital raised. Linden’s strategy is based upon three elements: (i) healthcare specialization, (ii) integrated private equity and operating expertise, and (iii) its differentiated human capital program. Linden invests in middle market platforms in the medical products, specialty distribution, pharmaceutical, and services segments of healthcare. Since its founding, Linden has invested in over 40 healthcare companies encompassing over 325 total transactions. The firm has approximately $8 billion in regulatory assets under management. For more information, please visit www.lindenllc.com.