Seal the deal: New acquisitions drive expansion for pet food and retail firms

Recent transactions across Asia, Europe and the US focus on expanding manufacturing, retail and digital capabilities. 

Outward Hound

Colorado-based pet accessory manufacturer Outward Hound has been acquired by H.I.G. Capital, a global alternative investment firm. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The acquisition adds the manufacturer to H.I.G. Capital’s existing portfolio of more than 100 companies with combined sales exceeding $53 billion (€45.7B). 

According to Outward Hound, the deal will support the expansion of its brand portfolio, accelerate product innovation, strengthen customer relationships and create opportunities in new product categories.

The pet player manufactures and distributes toys, games, gear, feeders, beds and treats for dogs and cats. Its brand portfolio includes Outward Hound, Best Friends by Sheri, Catstages, Wholesome Pride Pet Treats, Nina Ottosson, Planet Dog and Pupstages.

Umios Corporation

Japanese seafood giant Umios Corporation is expanding its pet food business through the acquisition of a 51% equity stake in Malaysian pet food maker Pet World International (PWI). Its portfolio spans primarily dry pet food, ranging from value-priced products to premium offerings.

Valued at ¥11.4 billion ($77.5M/€66.8M), the deal marks Umios’ entry into the dog food segment. The company plans to introduce its portfolio across Asia, complementing its existing wet cat food business.

According to the corporation, PWI holds the second-largest share of Malaysia’s dog and cat pet food market and is among the leading companies driving growth in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. 

“We will promote the integration of sales networks, the reorganization of product strategies and the collaboration of research and development (R&D) functions,” with the Umios Group’s raw material procurement capabilities and processing technologies, the company tells GlobalPETS.

PWI is expected to become a consolidated subsidiary in the second quarter of Umios’ fiscal year ending March 2027. Following the acquisition, Umios’ pet food business is expected to achieve approximately ¥10 billion ($68M/€58.6M) in operating income and an 18% return on invested capital (ROIC) by March 2028.

Musti Group

Musti Group’s pet specialty chain Arken Zoo is taking over 3 Gaston stores in Uppsala, Västerås and Norrköping from Swedish grocery retail group ICA Gruppen. 

Gaston was launched in 2024 as a pilot retail concept designed to help ICA better understand the needs of pet owners. Following an evaluation of the initiative, the retailer decided not to continue operating the stores and will transfer them to Arken Zoo.

The companies are also discussing a long-term partnership to further develop their pet retail offerings and explore opportunities to establish complementary Arken Zoo stores alongside ICA locations.

Despite the divestment, Peter Muld, Acting Chief Strategy Officer at ICA, says that the pet category will remain part of its operations. “This is reflected in our overall offering, from pet food in ICA stores to pet insurance through ICA Insurance and prescription medicines and other products for animals through Apotek Hjärtat,” he adds.

Pet Media Group

Pet Media Group is expanding its European presence with the acquisition of German online pet marketplace Deine-Tierwelt. The Swedish online pet and equestrian marketplace operator says that Deine-Tierwelt attracts more than 45 million annual visitors across Germany, the UK, the US, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy and Sweden.

“Germany is Europe’s largest pet market, with over 26 million dogs and cats, and strict animal welfare regulations that strongly favour compliant platforms over general classifieds. Deine-Tierwelt is the number one platform in Germany, facilitating the majority of all puppy placements in the country,” the company tells GlobalPETS.

Currently, the group is integrating its technology into the business, including AI-powered moderation, breeder verification and services such as health guarantees, to improve quality and generate new revenue streams.

Once the integration is complete, Deine-Tierwelt is expected to contribute to Pet Media Group’s revenue and support its FY2026 revenue guidance of SEK 232 million ($24.6M/€21.2M) for FY2026. The acquired business currently generates around SEK 30 million ($3.2M/€2.8M) in annual revenue.

bosch Tiernahrung

German pet food company bosch Tiernahrung has acquired Fair Petfood, a wet pet food producer. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Following the acquisition, Fair Petfood has developed a technology platform for fresh products at bosch Tiernahrung’s production site. The platform uses precise cooking and mixing processes to manufacture fresh pet food that can be stored without refrigeration.

The technology has already been used to develop products sold under bosch Tiernahrung’s Freshe Schnauze and Freshe Mieze brands.

According to the company, eliminating the need for refrigerated logistics simplifies storage and transportation, improves product safety and supports international expansion. The use of recyclable mono-material pouches also helps meet European packaging requirements.