Osborne Clarke advises Schwabe Group on acquisition of majority stake in hydration pioneer Hydraid®

Osborne Clarke has provided legal advice to the Dr. Willmar Schwabe Group of Companies on its acquisition of a majority stake in hydration specialist Hydraid®. With this investment, Schwabe is linking an established health company with a fast-growing start-up in the field of functional sports hydration and electrolytes.

For years, Schwabe has been systematically building a broad ecosystem of natural health solutions. In addition to its European core business in herbal medicinal products, its portfolio includes a rapidly growing, digitally driven dietary supplements business. This comprises, among others, the brands Nature’s Way in the USA, Nature’s Way Europe and, since 2025, Braineffect®. Hydraid® fits perfectly into this environment as a further brand component and specifically expands the European direct-to-consumer business with the high-growth category of “functional hydration”.

Since its founding in 2021, Hydraid® has stood for powder-based sports hydration in the DACH region. With Hydration Helper®, the brand has established a core product with a clear focus: an electrolyte powder formula designed to improve hydration for athletes and active target groups, packaged in convenient sticks for flexible use and available in twelve flavours. The product lines Hydration Helper® Energy and Hydration Helper® Immunity build on the core formula and address specific exertion situations.

The investment follows a clear strategic rationale for both parties. Schwabe is expanding its existing portfolio of supplements and nutritional preparations with a product segment that integrates seamlessly while also meeting the Group’s high scientific standards. Hydraid® gains in Schwabe a strategic partner that knows the health and supplements market inside out and brings international experience in the development and scaling of brands.

Comprehensive advice on structuring the investment

Osborne Clarke provided Schwabe with comprehensive advice on all legal aspects of the transaction. This included, in particular, structuring the investment, drafting the corporate documentation and negotiating the transaction-related agreements. Key focus areas included the specific requirements associated with the acquisition and integration of a fast-growing consumer health and direct-to-consumer business, including issues relating to brand and IP strategy, commercial distribution agreements, as well as employment and tax law matters.

Drawing on its combined expertise in Corporate / M&A, Commercial, IP / trademark law, Digital Business, Employment and Tax, Osborne Clarke supported the Schwabe Group in implementing the investment in a legally sound yet pragmatic manner.

The Osborne Clarke team was jointly led by Till-Manuel Saur and Robert Marx and comprised Vanessa Petre Linbenciuc, Giovanni Alexandrov, Pauline Niggemann (all Transactions), Alexander Schlicht, Kamissa Kruse, Anna Lehner (all Employment), Dr Andrea Schmoll, Dr Jonas Völkel, Luisa Jakobs, Caroline Bonse, Edith Fuchs (all IP), Christoph Boeminghaus, Daniel Jeske (both Commercial), Florian Merkle, Patrick Seiler, Stephanie Bihler (all Tax), Konstantin Ewald and Michelle Prüfer (both IT).