Meal supplement and protein shake brand Huel is being bought by Danone for €1billion (£864million).

Huel, which has celebrity backers including actor Idris Elba and broadcaster Jonathan Ross, was founded in 2014 in Buckinghamshire producing its signature shake powder marketed as a nutritionally complete replacement for a regular meal.

It has since expanded its range to include ready meals, nutrition bars, and health drinks, all of which are plant based.

Danone, which also owns Actimel, Activia and Alpro, said: "Huel's mission to make nutritionally complete, convenient, sustainable food, aligns closely with Danone's purpose of bringing health through food to as many people as possible."

The BBC reports Danone chief executive Antoine de Saint-Affrique said the British company had "best in class digital capabilities".

James McMaster, Huel's chief executive, added: "Most people don't get enough protein, fibre, or the right nutrients. That's the problem Huel exists to solve.

"With Danone, we will now have the infrastructure, distribution and R&D (research and development) capability to go further, into new markets and to more people."

The deal is subject to closing conditions including regulatory approval.

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