After The Wall Street Journal recently reported that private equity firm North Castle Partners is seeking a buyer of Jenny Craig, DA Davidson analyst Linda Bolton Weiser said she sees “zero probability” that Medifast (MED) would acquire it and “almost zero probability” that Weight Watchers (WTW) would buy the company. Nutrisystem (NTRI), however, has already shown an interest in adding non-cannibalizing brands to its portfolio, making it the most likely buyer of Jenny Craig among the publicly-traded weight loss companies Weiser covers, she stated. Nutrisystem, which seems to have hit a wall in growing its biggest brand, may need a bold strategic move to provide visibility on growth and expansion, added the analyst. She keeps Buy ratings on Medifast and Weight Watchers and a Neutral rating on Nutrisystem shares.
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