Pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has acquired UK-based Maxinutrition Group Holdings, manufacturer of protein-enhanced nutrition products, from Darwin Private Equity.

The £162m deal will see GSK combine its existing portfolio of consumer healthcare and beverage products - including the Lucozade brand of 'power drinks' - with Maxinutrition's popular Maximuscle line.

Maxinutrition is currently Europe's largest sports nutrition company by market share. The company recorded sales of £36m for the fiscal year ended April 2010.

According to John Clarke, president of GSK's consumer healthcare division, the deal will extend GSK's reach into wider categories, complementing its existing Nutritional Healthcare business.

"This deal will give GSK a strong presence in the fast developing protein-based sports nutrition market,” he said.

"GSK will invest behind Maxinutrition's products to extend the growth of its UK and European footprint and expand to the global marketplace, where GSK has existing infrastructure and capabilities."