Applied Nutrition’s listing to Earth founder Thomas Ryder hits £275m

A scaffolder who grew up on a Liverpool council estate is about to join the ranks of the super-rich when his protein powder company floats on the stock market with a value of £500m.

In a big boost for the city, Thomas Ryder yesterday announced plans for a London float of Applied Nutrition, the sports health brand he founded in 2014.

The move is expected to value the company, which is based on an industrial park in Knowsley, Liverpool, at around £500m.

That would make the 55 per cent stake still held by father-of-four Ryder worth £275 million.

Reports suggest the listing has been brought forward to take place before the Budget on October 30, when Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to significantly increase capital gains tax (CGT).

By selling shares ahead of the rise, Ryder (pictured) will pay CGT at the current lower rate.

The potential deal represents a milestone for Ryder, 40, who was raised by his grandparents on a council estate in Kirkby after his father died when he was 12.

After leaving school at 16, he worked as a scaffolder before turning to training supplements such as protein powders.

Since creating Applied Nutrition a decade ago, he has grown it into a company with more than 200 employees that sells a variety of products from powders to herbal tablets to isotonic gels in more than 80 countries.

Revenue topped £86m in the 12 months to the end of July (up from £35m in 2022 and £61m in 2023), while profits hit £26m .

The company, whose products are used by professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts, is the official nutritional partner of several football clubs, including Fulham and Rangers.

He also works with rugby league club Salford Red Devils and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) stars Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett and Molly ‘Meatball’ McCann.

FTSE 100 sportswear giant JD Sports bought a 32 per cent stake in 2021.

Andy Bell, founder of online trading platform AJ Bell, was named chairman in February as the company sought to bolster its board ahead of a so-called “initial public offering” (IPO).

“This IPO positions us ideally for the next step in our development,” Ryder said.