The Hut devours Myprotein.com

RETAIL

THE HUT, the online retailer, has acquired the sports nutritionretailer Myprotein.com in a deal worth 58m.

The fast-growing internet specialist, which is considering aflotation this year, said Myprotein would complement its acquisitionof Mankind Direct, the web retailer of mens grooming products, for2.5m last year.

Founded in 2004 by its chief executive Oliver Cookson, Myproteinis expected to grow sales by 56 per cent to 25m this year across itswebsites in countries including the UK, Germany, France, Italy andSpain.

This month, The Hut which is chaired by Angus Monro, the formerchief executive of Matalan appointed Rothschild to advise on itsoptions, including a potential flotation this year.