Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. has announced an agreement to acquire Zarbee's, Inc. Zarbee's is a privately held company that is a leader in natural-based healthcare products.

The acquisition will include the full line of Zarbee's Naturals products for children and adults. The transaction is expected to close during the third quarter of 2018. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Zarbee's Naturals was founded in 2008 by Dr. Zak Zarbock, a pediatrician who was inspired to create safe, wholesome and effective alternatives to traditional OTC medicines. His first product was a honey-based kids' cough syrup made with vitamin C and zinc and free of alcohol, drugs, and artificial flavors. Over the last decade, Zarbee's Naturals has grown into a broad-based health and wellness brand and has disrupted the cough, sleep, immune support and vitamin categories with its portfolio of family-friendly products.

Katie Devine, global president, OTC Franchise, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., says, "Zarbee's is a values-driven company that was founded on and has achieved significant growth by meeting the evolving health needs of today's families. As a global OTC leader, Johnson & Johnson Consumer shares in this vision and is committed to providing innovative healthcare solutions that satisfy the preferences of consumers."

Kathy Widmer, president, U.S. OTC, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., adds, "The Zarbee's team has achieved tremendous success in the marketplace and we are excited to be a part of their future growth. Upon closing of the transaction, we look forward to working closely with the Zarbee's team as they join the Johnson & Johnson Consumer family."