FTC Investigation Regarding The Vitamin Shoppe's (VSI) Planned Acquisition of Super Supplements

The Vitamin Shoppe (NYSE: VSI), a leading specialty retailer and direct marketer of nutritional products, today announced that the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has notified VSI that it is conducting an investigation into the planned acquisition by the Vitamin Shoppe of the assets of Super Supplements, Inc., which was announced on December 17, 2012.The FTC staff conducting the investigation has stated in a letter to the parties that the inquiry will extend beyond December 31, 2012, and has not yet provided any indication as to the likely outcome or ultimate timing of its inquiry. In light of the investigation, VSI and Super Supplements, Inc. have agreed to extend the outside date for consummation of the transaction from December 31, 2012 to March 1, 2013, and are cooperating with the FTC in its investigation. There can be no assurance as to whether and when the transaction will be consummated in light of these developments.



About the Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.  - VSI



Vitamin Shoppe  (VSI) is a leading specialty retailer and direct marketer of nutritional products, vitamins, minerals, herbs, specialty supplements, sports nutrition and other health and wellness products. VSI is based in North Bergen, New Jersey. VSI sells vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, herbs, sports nutrition formulas, homeopathic remedies, green living products, and health and beauty aids to customers located primarily in the United States. The company carries national brand products as well as exclusive products under the Vitamin Shoppe, BodyTech and True Athlete proprietary brands. The Vitamin Shoppe conducts business through more than 560 company-operated retail stores.



It markets over 400 different national brands, as well as its brands, which include Vitamin Shoppe, BodyTech and True Athlete. It offers a range of products among vitamin, mineral and supplement (VMS) retailers with approximately 8,000 stock keeping units (SKUs) offered in its store and approximately 10,000 additional SKUs available through its Internet and other direct sales channels. The Company sells its products through two operating segments: retail and direct. As of December 31, 2011, its retail segment had a total of 232 new stores. As of January 28, 2012, it operated 533 stores in 40 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In its direct segment, the Company sells its products directly to consumers through the Internet, primarily at www.vitaminshoppe.com, and its catalog.



About Super Supplements



Super Supplements has been providing top health and wellness products, information and inspiration for almost two decades, specializing in quality natural products, vitamins &supplements, beauty & personal care items, herbal remedies, homeopathic remedies, healthy drinks & teas and natural pet health products at the very best overall value. The company conducts business through 31 company-owned retail stores in the Pacific Northwest