South Africa’s pet industry heats up with new acquisitions

The local pet industry in South Africa has recently seen 2 developments involving pet food manufacturers. RCL FOODS has signed an agreement to acquire Cape Town-based Martin & Martin, while Monic Group has completed its purchase of Marltons Pet Care.

RCL FOODS

RCL FOODS, one of Africa’s biggest food manufacturers, has signed a binding sale agreement with investment firm Simrose Overseas to acquire Martin & Martin for R695 million ($36.5M/€33.7M).

Martin & Martin is a Cape Town-based manufacturer of pet food and pet care products. Its portfolio includes wet food, biscuits, treats and care items marketed under brands such as Husky, Pamper, Beeno and Bob Martin.

The deal remains subject to certain conditions, including approval from competition authorities. It will allow RCL FOODS to expand its currently limited participation in the wet pet food and pet care categories, with a focus on pet health and longevity.

“We are excited about the strong synergies this partnership would bring, enabling us to serve the market with a broader range of innovative products,” Brendan Hayes, Managing Director at Martin & Martin, says.

“Furthermore, by leveraging RCL FOODS’ extensive expertise and central business resources, our team would have greater opportunities to grow, innovate and thrive within a larger, more diversified group,” he adds.

Monic Group

South African family-owned investment company Monic Group, the holding company of pet food producer Montego Pet Nutrition, finalized its acquisition of Marltons Pet Care at the end of January.

The acquisition aims to strengthen local competition with multinational players, combining Montego’s pet nutrition expertise with Marltons’ focus on everyday pet care.

“This acquisition marks a significant step in Montego’s ambition to globally champion Africa as an important player and pioneer in the global pet care industry,” says Johan van Jaarsveld, Managing Director of Montego Pet Nutrition. “Marltons has spent 80 years building deep expertise in pet care in areas that complement our core nutrition business.”

Founded in 2000, Montego Pet Nutrition is present in more than 20 countries across 5 continents. Marltons Pet Care is a Johannesburg-based pet products brand and distributor founded in 1945, with products available across major retailers in South Africa.