Latest M&A activity in the pet industry

GlobalPETS takes a look at the four most recent acquisitions in the pet industry across the Northern Hemisphere.

Pure Treats

The Canadian pet food company, which produces dog and cat treats, food, and topper brands, including PureBites, is set to acquire Bar W Foods & Eighteen Below Partners, a Texas-based manufacturer of freeze-dried human-grade pet food and treats.

After decades of servicing the human food industry, Pure Treats entered the pet food space 11 years ago.

Through the deal, PureBites will expand its production capacity and product line, catering to North America’s growing demand for RAW freeze-dried pet food, treats and toppers.

Paul Wehba, CEO and Executive Vice president of Bar W Foods, will remain the Head of Operations and manage his entire team.

“We will continue to service the great customer base Paul has created while ensuring that PureBites RAW freeze-dried treats, food and toppers are made in our own human-grade kitchen and [made] available to pet parents throughout North America and the world,” said Marc Cathcart, President of Pure Treats.

A company spokesperson informed GlobalPETS of receiving “significant interest” from international customers looking to expand into the Freeze Dried category. “Our plan is to explore these opportunities in the future as we look to expand our business outside of North America”, they noted.

FoodScience

Morgan Stanley Capital Partners (MSCP), a middle-market private equity (PE) platform, has acquired Vermont-based pet supplement provider FoodScience from Wind Point Partners for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition brings FoodScience’s VetriScience and Pet Naturals brands into the companion animal health space and a few human health brands under MSCP’s portfolio. The company will continue under the leadership of CEO Sharon Rossi.

Rossi commented on the deal and highlighted the benefits of leveraging MSCP’s expertise and network in the pet and animal health sectors to “accelerate growth both organically and through strategic acquisitions.”

MSCP’s Managing Director and Co-Head of Consumer Investing, James Stewart, emphasizes plans to expand FoodScience’s product portfolio through “continued organic growth and M&A (mergers and acquisitions).”

This acquisition marks MSCP’s third investment in the pet and animal health space, following its investments in Compana Pet Brands and Thrive Pet Healthcare.

VEOS Group

Belgium-based protein solutions provider VEOS Group has acquired OvaInnovations, an American producer of egg proteins, to strengthen its position in the US market.

Robert Slee, president of VEOS Group, comments that the acquisition will enable the animal protein group to base its production capabilities in the North American country. This will allow VEOS to “serve customers more effectively and strengthen the commitment to global growth and sustainability. “

The ACTIPRO brand, VEOS’s high-value functional protein brand for the pet food industry, will benefit the most, as it will be more efficiently produced and distributed across diverse markets.

Yarrah

Netherlands-based pet food company Premium Petfood Brands (PPB) has scooped up organic pet food brand Yarrah following its recent bankruptcy. Originally launched by PPB in 1992, Yarrah shifted ownership multiple times under private equity groups before this acquisition.

With this move, PPB is broadening its portfolio beyond its existing brands, Smølke and Rodi, which specialize in dry and fresh meat pet food products.

Managing Director Ronald van Sermondt says that adding this brand to the portfolio also marks PPB’s entry into the organic pet food segment, enabling it to address the growing demand for “responsible food. “

PPB plans to integrate Yarrah into its operations to boost its growth in the organic dog and cat food market.