Eastern Europe: VAFO and PNI complete key acquisitions

Pet players stepped up strategic expansion in Central and Eastern Europe through acquisitions targeting neighboring and emerging markets.

VAFO Group acquires AZAN

Czech pet food manufacturer VAFO Group has completed its acquisition of AZAN, one of Poland’s largest pet food distributors. Both companies have been partners for nearly 30 years.

The acquisition expands VAFO’s footprint in one of the key markets in Central and Eastern Europe, advancing the company’s goal to drive growth in the Czech, Slovak and Polish markets. The expansion will also bring a quarter of the company’s team to Poland.

“This acquisition is an important step in fulfilling our strategy to remain a leading pet food company in Europe,” says Pavel Bouška, Chairman of the Board at VAFO Group.

Bouška highlights that AZAN has also been a “key part” in VAFO’s success in the Polish market.

The company will continue to focus on distribution and customer service under VAFO Group, with the acquisition also creating opportunities to improve efficiency in logistics, finance and the sharing of best practices across the group.

7,000 customers

AZAN currently supplies products to nearly 7,000 customers in specialized retail, veterinary care and modern retail.

It also operates e-commerce platforms along with its multibrand online store, in addition to owning the dog treat brand Azanki.

The company was founded by siblings Agnieszka Donicz and Krzysztof Furdal in 1997 and began as a family business. Currently, it has a workforce of 80 people.

“We are very proud that, as a food distributor, we’ve reached a level of development that made us an attractive partner for a reputable company like VAFO,” says Donicz. 

“Instead of pushing us out, they saw our potential and recognized us as a valuable player in the market. For us, this proves that growth, quality, and commitment to the industry are key to building long-term, strategic partnerships.” 

VAFO Group ranks among the 5 largest pet food producers in Europe. In 2024, the group reported revenues of approximately €605 million ($660M). Headquartered in the Czech Republic, it has factories and branches in Finland, Germany, the UK, Sweden, Estonia, Poland, France and Austria.

Pet Network International acquires Pet Republic

Retailer Pet Network International (PNI) has acquired Serbian chain Pet Republic Group to boost its presence in the Balkans. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

“The integration of new businesses under our umbrella has already started yielding significant benefits,” says PNI’s CEO, Timo Tervo.

Pet Republic Group consists of Pet Republic, a retail chain of specialized pet shops and M&J Trade, a wholesaler of premium brands of pet food and supplements. 

The Pet Republic 7 stores – located in Belgrade, Novi Sad and Niš – will fall under PNI’s Pet Center banner.

In 2024, Belgrade-based Pet Republic and M&J Trade posted a combined net profit of 165 million dinars ($1.65M/€1.4M) and operating revenue of 1.62 billion dinars ($16.2M/€13.8M).