Analysts say the $2.1 billion vitamins giant Blackmores has obvious corporate appeal to Chinese private equity firms who've watched its strong growth, but any buyout would need the blessing of 24 per cent shareholder Marcus Blackmore.

Blackmores is the last big independent Australian vitamins company following three buyouts in the past two-and-a-half years by Chinese companies of Swisse, Vitaco and Nature's Care.