Private Equity Acquirers in Pet Care Products
The pet products category has emerged as an attractive segment for private equity investors globally, supported by resilient, relatively inelastic demand in many pet categories, as well as ongoing premiumisation and pet humanisation.
This article analyses some of the most active private equity acquirers in the global pet products sector since 2020, focusing specifically on majority and control investments in branded, consumer-facing businesses. These include pet food, treats, supplements, accessories, toys, grooming products, and broader pet lifestyle brands, while excluding ingredient manufacturers, pet services, and minority growth investments.
The acquirers profiled are grouped into consumer-focused and diversified private equity firms, with a selection of strategic buyers in the pet products industry also highlighted at the end.
FoodScience acquired by Morgan Stanley Capital Partners in 2024.
Consumer-Focused Private Equity Firms
Alpine Investors
Ark Naturals - acquired by Antelope Pets, a portfolio company of Alpine Investors, in 2022.
Alpine Investors is a San Francisco-based private equity firm founded in 2001. The firm manages approximately $18.5bn in AUM and invests in software, business services and consumer services across North America, Europe and Australia. It targets companies with $1–50m in EBITDA and enterprise values of up to $1bn.
Relevant Pet Products Acquisitions
Antelope Pets: Alpine launched Antelope Pets in August 2021 to build a portfolio of premium pet food and wellness brands. Antelope has invested $100–150m of equity capital to build the platform through strategic acquisitions. It currently owns brands including Bocce's Bakery, Ark Naturals, Diggin' Your Dog, Super Snouts, and My Perfect Pet.
My Perfect Pet - December 2023: a California-based manufacturer of gently cooked, human-grade frozen meals for dogs and cats. The company produces lightly cooked pet food made with whole-food ingredients and formulated to meet veterinary nutritional standards.
Ark Naturals - September 2022: a US-based pet health and wellness brand best known for dental chews, supplements and grooming products.
Diggin' Your Dog - June 2022: a US-based manufacturer of premium pet treats and digestive health products. The company offers natural treats, training rewards and functional digestive products for dogs and cats.
Super Snouts - June 2022: a US producer of hemp-derived CBD supplements and functional nutritional products for pets. The company offers products targeting anxiety, joint health, digestion and mobility using natural ingredients.
Bocce’s Bakery - November 2021: a US-based natural dog treats brand known for limited-ingredient biscuits and treats.
Wind Point Partners
Maced - acquired by Assisi Pet Care, a portfolio company of Wind Point Partners, in 2022.
Wind Point Partners is a Chicago-based private equity firm founded in 1984. The firm manages approximately $9bn in AUM. Within consumer markets, Wind Point has developed experience building branded platforms through operational improvement and strategic acquisitions. Typical platform investments target companies with enterprise values ranging from $200m to $850m; EBITDA from $15m to $90m.
Relevant Pet Products Acquisitions
Assisi Pet Care - October 2023: Assisi Pet Care is a European manufacturer of branded and private-label pet food, treats and accessories. It was founded by Peter Mangion in partnership with Harwood Capital to execute a roll-up in the pet sector. In October 2023, Harwood Capital exited its investment and sold Assisi Pet Care to Wind Point Partners in a secondary buyout transaction.
Sniffers Pet Care - May 2026: Assisi Pet Care acquired Sniffers Pet Care and its lead brand, NAW. NAW specialises in premium natural dog treats made from meat ingredients with simple, clean-label formulations.
YAKERS - July 2025: Assisi Pet Care acquired YAKERS for £7.5m. Inspired by traditional Himalayan recipes, YAKERS produces cheese-based dog chews made from natural ingredients.
Burns Pet Nutrition - December 2023: The brand specialises in dry and wet pet foods formulated for pets with allergies, food intolerances, and digestive health needs.
Pet Munchies - June 2022: A UK-based premium natural dog and cat treats brand founded in 2008.
Maced - February 2022: One of Poland's manufacturers of natural dog treats. Founded in 1993, Maced produces a broad range of meat-based treats, dental chews and functional snacks.
Town & Country Petfoods - March 2021: A UK-based manufacturer of dog and cat food and treats, best known for its HiLife brand.
FoodScience - March 2021 (exited in 2024 to Morgan Stanley Capital Partners): a US-based developer of nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals for pets. Its portfolio includes the pet supplement brands VetriScience and Pet Naturals.
Targeted PetCare: a pet consumables platform backed by Wind Point and based in the US. The firm specialises in treats, chews, pet litter and bedding.
Pet Brands - January 2024: a US-based pet treats business. The acquisition added branded and private-label dog and cat treats to the Targeted PetCare platform, such as jerkies, soft chews, and purees.
Bansk Group
PetIQ - acquired by Bansk Group in 2024.
Bansk Group is a New York-based private investment firm focused exclusively on consumer packaged goods. Founded in 2019, the firm invests in branded businesses across consumer health and wellness, food and beverage, beauty and household products. Bansk manages over $5bn in assets, including co-investments. It typically targets equity investments ranging from $100m to $400m.
Relevant Pet Products Acquisitions
PetIQ - August 2024: a US pet healthcare company offering a broad portfolio of pet medications, supplements, flea and tick treatments, grooming products and wellness solutions. The transaction was valued at approximately $1.5bn. It was completed at an enterprise value-to-revenue (EV/Revenue) multiple of 1.4x and an EV/EBITDA multiple of 15.6x.
Topspin Consumer Partners
Three Dog Bakery Consumer Products Division - acquired by Topspin in 2023.
Topspin Consumer Partners is a New York-based private equity firm founded in 2000. The firm focuses on lower-middle-market consumer businesses, investing across sectors including food & beverage, health & wellness, beauty, household goods, and pet products. Topspin currently manages approximately $830m in AUM. It makes control or minority investments in US-headquartered companies with less than $200m in revenue, up to $25m in EBITDA, and equity investments of $10–50m.
Relevant Pet Products Acquisitions
Three Dog Bakery Consumer Products Division - June 2023: a US-based manufacturer of humanised dog treats made with real ingredients.
SportPet Designs - October 2021: a US-based manufacturer of pet products, specialising in cat toys, scratchers, dog toys, travel accessories, carriers, and outdoor gear. It provides Topspin with a scalable platform in the pet accessories market.
Mammoth Pet Products - January 2025: a manufacturer of premium dog toys and rope toys. Founded in 1995, Mammoth distributes its products widely through independent pet retailers and national chains across North America.
Mission Pets - November 2021: a US-based pet lifestyle brand founded in 1999. Mission Pets develops premium pet accessories, including apparel, collars, leashes, bowls, bedding and home decor, marketed under the Harry Barker brand.
Entrepreneurial Equity Partners
Bil-Jac Foods - acquired by e2p in 2025.
Entrepreneurial Equity Partners (e2p) is a Chicago-based private equity firm investing in family-owned businesses across the food, agriculture and consumer sectors. The firm targets companies with over $50m in revenue and EBITDA between $5m–$75m.
Relevant Pet Products Acquisitions
Bil-Jac Foods - January 2025: a family-owned manufacturer of premium dog food and treats. Founded in 1947, Bil-Jac is recognised for its fresh chicken recipes and low-temperature cooking process.
Thrive Foods/ Thrive Freeze Dry: Thrive Foods, now operating as Thrive Freeze Dry, is a freeze-dried products platform.
Canature - December 2023: a Canadian manufacturer of premium freeze-dried pet food and treats. It supplies both branded products under its successful NutriBites, UBite, and Hoopla labels and private-label products. Canature produces freeze-dried and air-dried pet nutrition using natural ingredients.
Firelight Capital Partners
Snif-Snax - acquired by Firelight Capital Partners in 2025.
Firelight Capital Partners is a lower-middle-market private equity firm based in the US, focused on founder-owned businesses in the consumer, industrial, and services sectors. The firm typically targets companies with revenue of $25–100m and EBITDA of $3–15m.
Relevant Pet Products Acquisitions
Snif-Snax - August 2025: a US manufacturer of premium natural dog treats. Founded in 2016, the company produces all-natural, limited-ingredient pet treats such as freshly caught salmon dog treats and snacks.
Gryphon Investors
Vetnique Labs - acquired by Gryphon Investors in 2023.
Gryphon Investors is a San Francisco-based private equity firm founded in 1995. The firm manages more than $10bn in AUM and invests across the consumer, healthcare, business services, industrial growth, software, and technology sectors. Its consumer investing experience also includes skin care, as well as other consumer categories. It invests $50–500m in companies with up to $80m of EBITDA.
Relevant Pet Products Acquisitions
Vetnique Labs - April 2023: a US-based pet health company specialising in veterinarian-formulated supplements and wellness products for dogs and cats. Founded in 2012, the company develops science-backed products targeting joint mobility, digestive health, skin and coat health, calming, urinary health and overall pet wellbeing.
Lintbells - July 2024: the UK company behind the YuMOVE pet supplement brand. Lintbells develops clinically backed supplements that support joint mobility, digestion, and skin and coat health for dogs and cats.
Inverness Graham
Bosco & Roxy's - acquired by Treat Planet, a portfolio company of Inverness Graham, in 2025.
Inverness Graham is a Pennsylvania-based private equity firm founded in 2003. The firm manages more than $1.8bn in AUM and invests in lower-middle-market companies across healthcare, tech-enabled services, advanced manufacturing and sustainability. Inverness Graham targets companies with $10–100m in revenue, up to $20m in EBITDA, and enterprise values below $200m.
Relevant Pet Products Acquisitions
Treat Planet: is a premium pet products platform. Following Inverness Graham's investment, the platform has pursued a buy-and-build strategy to expand its portfolio of premium pet treats, chews, and wellness products.
Bosco & Roxy's - September 2025: a Canadian manufacturer of premium gourmet dog treats and pet bakery products. Founded in 2004, the company is best known for its hand-decorated biscuits, everyday treats and seasonal collections.
Diversified Private Equity Firms
Carlyle Group
Oxbow Animal Health - acquired by Compana Pet Brands, a portfolio company of Carlyle Group, in 2022.
The Carlyle Group is a Washington, DC-based global investment firm founded in 1987. The firm manages approximately $475bn in AUM and invests across private equity, credit and investment solutions. Within private equity, Carlyle focuses on sectors including consumer & retail, healthcare, industrials, business services and technology, investing across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. The firm invests through both majority and minority buyouts, with investment sizes ranging from $75m to more than $1bn.
Relevant Pet Products Acquisitions
Manna Pro / Compana Pet Brands: Manna Pro, now operating as Compana Pet Brands, has been one of the PE-backed acquirers in the companion animal products sector. The company manufactures and markets pet care and nutrition products across dogs, cats, birds, small animals and backyard animals. In March 2022, Manna Pro Products rebranded as Compana Pet Brands to represent the company's portfolio of care, wellness, and nutrition solutions for animals of all types, categories, and sizes.
Oxbow Animal Health - January 2022: a small animal wellness brand with a long history in food, hay, treats, supplements and supplies for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, chinchillas and other small mammals.
Dinovite - September 2021: a family-owned online pet wellness brand offering whole-food supplements for dogs and cats.
ZuPreem - April 2021: a premium companion bird nutrition brand. The brand expanded Manna Pro beyond dog and cat products into the bird nutrition category, adding diets for parrots and other companion birds.
Bullymake - December 2020: a DTC subscription brand focused on dog toys and treats. The deal gave Manna Pro exposure to a recurring revenue model, in which customers receive regular boxes of durable toys and snacks designed for heavy-chewing dogs.
CVC Capital Partners
PPF - acquired by CVC Capital Partners in 2024.
Headquartered in Luxembourg, CVC Capital Partners manages approximately €209bn in AUM. Founded in 1981, the firm invests globally across a wide range of industries, including consumer products, healthcare, financial services, industrials, and technology. Within healthcare and consumer products, its investments have included businesses operating in vitamins, minerals and supplements (VMS).
Relevant Pet Products Acquisitions
Partner in Pet Food (PPF) - June 2024: One of Europe's manufacturers of branded and private-label pet food. Headquartered in Hungary, PPF produces wet and dry food, treats, and snacks for both dogs and cats. It generated nearly €800m in revenue in 2023.
Partners Group
MPM Products - acquired by Partners Group from 3i Group in 2025.
Partners Group is a global private markets investment firm headquartered in Switzerland. Founded in 1996, the firm manages more than $185bn in AUM. It invests globally in businesses with strong long-term growth potential.
Relevant Pet Products Acquisitions
MPM Products - June 2025: one of Europe's premium pet food businesses, acquired from 3i Group. Headquartered in the UK, MPM owns brands including Applaws, Reveal, and Encore. It sells premium natural wet food, dry food and treats for dogs and cats. 3i Group received approximately £400m in total gross proceeds from the sale. The enterprise value of MPM was nearly £500m at the time of the transaction.
KKR
Natural Pet Food Group - acquired by KKR in 2021.
KKR is a New York-based global investment firm founded in 1976. The firm manages $744bn of AUM and invests across private equity, infrastructure, real estate, credit, energy and growth equity. Within private equity, KKR focuses on sectors including consumer & retail, healthcare, industrials, business services and technology, investing across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.
Relevant Pet Products Acquisitions
Natural Pet Food Group - May 2021: a New Zealand-based company behind K9 Natural and Feline Natural product lines. The business produces high-meat, freeze-dried and air-dried diets for dogs and cats, using ingredients sourced from New Zealand.
H.I.G. Capital
Outward Hound - acquired by H.I.G. Capital in 2026.
Headquartered in Miami, Florida, H.I.G. Capital was founded in 1993 and manages approximately $75bn in AUM. The firm invests globally through 18 offices across North America, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia. H.I.G. invests across a broad range of sectors, including consumer and retail, healthcare, business services, industrials, technology, media and telecommunications. It targets middle-market companies, typically with annual revenues up to $1bn.
Relevant Pet Products Acquisitions
Outward Hound - July 2026: a US-based developer of branded pet toys, treats and accessories. Its portfolio includes Best Friends by Sheri, Petstages, Planet Dog, Nina Ottosson and Wholesome Pride.
Platinum Equity
Petmate - acquired by Platinum Equity in 2021.
Platinum Equity is a global private equity firm headquartered in California that manages approximately $48bn in AUM across a portfolio of about 60 companies. The firm is deploying capital through its $12.4bn flagship fund, Platinum Equity Capital Partners VI, alongside its $2.28bn Platinum Equity Small Cap Fund II, which targets lower-middle-market buyout transactions.
Relevant Pet Products Acquisitions
Cosmic Pet - October 2021: Petmate, backed by Platinum, agreed to combine with Cosmic Pet. Cosmic Pet manufactures and markets pet toys, treats and accessories, including products across catnip, chews, toys and pet lifestyle categories.
Petmate - September 2021: is a US pet products company with a broad product range including kennels, dog houses, toys, food storage products, bedding, treats, chews and other pet accessories.
Eurazeo
Eurazeo sold Ultra Premium Direct to Inspired Pet Nutrition in 2025.
Eurazeo is a Paris-based investment group that manages €39bn in AUM. The group invests across private equity, private debt and real assets. Within private equity, Eurazeo focuses on consumer goods, technology, healthcare and financial services, primarily across Europe with a global investment platform. The firm's buyout strategies target companies with enterprise values of €100m to €1.5bn, making equity investments of up to €150m in the lower mid-market and more than €200m in the upper mid-market.
Relevant Pet Products Acquisitions
Ultra Premium Direct - March 2021 (exited in 2025 to Inspired Pet Nutrition): a French premium pet food brand. The company sells premium dog and cat food directly to consumers via a subscription e-commerce platform, allowing it to bypass traditional retail channels and build a closer relationship with pet owners.
BC Partners
PetLab Co. - acquired by BC Partners in 2025.
Founded in 1986 and headquartered in London, BC Partners is an international investment firm managing approximately €35bn in AUM. The firm focuses primarily on upper mid-market companies across Europe and North America. Its private equity strategy targets businesses in four core sectors: food, healthcare, technology, media & telecommunications (TMT), and services & industrials.
PetLab Co. - February 2025: a UK-founded, DTC pet health company specialising in nutritional supplements, dental chews, probiotics and wellness products for dogs. The business has generated more than $300m in annual revenue before BC Partners acquired a majority stake.
Kinderhook Industries
EcoKind Pet Treats - acquired by Primal Pet Group in 2022.
Kinderhook Industries is a New York-based private equity firm founded in 2003. The firm has raised more than $11bn of committed capital and focuses on middle-market companies in the healthcare services, environmental & equipment services, and industrials & manufacturing sectors.
Relevant Pet Products Acquisitions
Primal Pet Foods - August 2021 (exited in 2026 to Pure Treats): is a producer of raw frozen and freeze-dried pet food for dogs and cats, and is headquartered in California. Kinderhook combined Primal Pet Foods with its existing pet portfolio companies, Prairie Dog Pet Products, Himalayan and Holistic Hound brands, to create Primal Pet Group. In February 2026, Kinderhook officially exited the investment and sold Primal Pet Foods to Pure Treats Inc. The combined entity operates under the name Pure Treats Primal Pet Group.
EcoKind Pet Treats - April 2022: Primal Pet Group, backed by Kinderhook, acquired EcoKind, a US manufacturer of natural dog chews and treats, including Himalayan yak cheese chews.
NXMH
Whitebridge Pet Brands - acquired by NXMH in 2021.
NXMH is a Belgium-based investment company owned by the NXC group, which manages more than €10bn in assets. NXMH focuses on long-term investments in consumer, technology and industrial businesses across Europe.
Relevant Pet Products Acquisitions
Whitebridge Pet Brands - July 2021: a premium pet food platform with operations across both North America and Europe. The business owned a portfolio of brands, including Tiki Pets, Cloud Star, Buddy Biscuits, and Dogswell in North America, alongside Schesir, Stuzzy, Adoc, Aequilibria, and Natural Trainer in Europe. In November 2024, NXMH sold Whitebridge's North American business (Tiki Pets and Cloud Star) to General Mills. NXMH retained Whitebridge's European brands, such as Schesir, Stuzzy, Adoc, Aequilibria, and Natural Trainer.
Axcel
The Dog's Butcher - acquired by TNC, a portfolio company of Axcel, in 2025 and rebranded to DIBO Finest in 2026.
Axcel is a Nordic private equity firm and has raised nine funds totalling more than €4.8bn in committed capital from Nordic and international institutional investors.
Relevant Pet Products Acquisitions
Nutriment Company (TNC) - July 2022: Rebranded from Voff Premium Pet Food in April 2024, TNC was Axcel VI’s 13th investment and generated approximately SEK 1bn in revenue at deal close. It focuses on raw and natural pet food.
Antos - December 2025: a Dutch manufacturer of natural pet treats and chews. It develops a broad range of dog treats, dental chews, training snacks, and natural chewing products. Antos helped expand TNC’s distribution network throughout the Benelux region and its presence in the pet treats category.
Zoo Factory - December 2025: a Polish manufacturer and supplier of premium treats, pet food and accessories. The acquisition supported TNC’s entry into Poland, expanding its footprint into Central and Eastern Europe.
Easy-BARF - October 2025: a French manufacturer of fresh and frozen raw pet food. It specialises in BARF diets, frozen meals and natural nutrition products for dogs and cats. The transaction increased TNC's manufacturing capacity in Western Europe.
Purrform - July 2025: a UK producer of premium raw cat food. It focuses on biologically appropriate raw diets for cats, offering complete meals and treats formulated using single-source animal proteins. The acquisition supported TNC's exposure to the cat food market.
Graf Barf - June 2025: a German manufacturer of premium BARF products for dogs. The company produces frozen raw meals and meat-based diets through an IFS-certified production facility.
Bulmer Pet Foods - April 2025: a UK manufacturer of frozen raw dog food. The company sells complete minces, raw meat mixes, bones, natural treats and accessories.
BAF Petfood - March 2025: a German raw pet food specialist. BAF Petfood is recognised for its BARF diets, frozen raw meals and natural treats for dogs and cats. The acquisition expanded TNC's manufacturing footprint in Germany and in Europe's raw pet food segment.
Puromenu - February 2025: Based in Spain, Puromenu produces frozen BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) meals, treats and nutritional products for dogs and cats using natural ingredients. The transaction supported TNC's entry into the Spanish market.
The Dog’s Butcher - January 2025: a UK producer of premium raw dog food. The purpose of this deal is to expand TNC’s product portfolio and enhance its presence in the UK market. The Dog's Butcher officially rebranded to DIBO Finest in February 2026.
Your Pet Nutrition - January 2025: TNC also acquired Your Pet Nutrition, a UK-based premium pet supplement brand. It specialises in veterinarian-developed supplements for dogs and cats. The acquisition helped TNC expand beyond raw nutrition into the pet wellness and supplements category.
Natural Instinct - June 2024: a UK-based producer of raw frozen dog and cat food, raw pet treats and supplements.
Totally Natural Pet Products - April 2024: A Scotland-based raw manufacturer which was relaunched to establish TNC's DIBO brand in the UK.
A&M Capital Partners
Kitty Sift - acquired by PetWise, a portfolio company of A&M Capital Partners, in 2022.
A&M Capital Partners is a Greenwich, Connecticut-based private equity firm founded in 2011. The firm manages $3bn of AUM. It targets companies with enterprise values of $150–750m, EBITDA of $20–100m, and a target investment size of $60–200m.
Relevant Pet Products Acquisitions
PetWise (Formerly Worldwise) - September 2021: A&M Capital acquired Worldwise from Mistral Equity Partners. PetWise is a pet supplies platform focused on solution-based pet products.
Pet Factory - April 2022: Pet Factory manufactures chews, treats, toys and accessories for pets. The deal allowed Petwise to enter the treats and chews category, broadening its platform into more consumable pet products.
FurHaven - January 2022: a pet products company focused on pet beds, furniture covers and accessories for dogs and cats. The acquisition created a pet platform for Petwise, focused on pet supplies and pet essentials.
Kitty Sift - January 2022: a business focused on disposable cat litter boxes and litter accessories.
BrightPet Nutrition Group - September 2020: a US-based premium and super-premium pet food platform. It owns a portfolio of pet food and treat brands, including Blackwood, Adirondack, and By Nature.
MiracleCorp - December 2020: a pet products business based in the US with brands serving birds, reptiles and small animals.
Bravo! Pet Foods - October 2022: a super-premium raw and freeze-dried pet food brand. Bravo added frozen raw diets, freeze-dried products, chews and treats to BrightPet’s portfolio.
Morgan Stanley Capital Partners
MSCP - acquired FoodScience from Wind Point Partners in 2024.
Morgan Stanley Capital Partners (MSCP) is the middle-market private equity business of Morgan Stanley. Based in New York, MSCP invests in North American companies across business services, healthcare, industrials and consumer sectors, supporting both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. MSCP focuses on companies with enterprise values from $200m to $800m and EBITDA from $15m to $60m.
Relevant Pet Products Acquisitions
FoodScience - November 2024: MSCP acquired FoodScience from Wind Point Partners in a secondary buyout transaction.
Natural Dog Company - April 2025: It was the first add-on acquisition completed by FoodScience following its secondary buyout by MSCP. Natural Dog Company develops premium wellness products for dogs, including supplements, balms, grooming products and skin and paw care solutions.
CapVest
Pet Food UK - acquired by Inspired Pet Nutrition, a portfolio company of CapVest, in 2021.
CapVest is a London-based private equity firm founded in 1999. The firm focuses on investments in consumer staples, healthcare and essential services, primarily across Europe and North America. CapVest manages approximately €12bn in AUM.
Relevant Pet Products Acquisitions
Inspired Pet Nutrition: a UK-based pet food group that owns brands including Harringtons and Wagg.
Ultra Premium Direct - August 2025: a French DTC premium pet food brand. Founded in 2013, the company manufactures premium dog and cat food.
Sopral - July 2025: a French pet food manufacturer best known for its Pro-Nutrition brand. Sopral produces super-premium dry food for cats and dogs, with core product lines including Prestige, Pure Life and Protect under Pro-Nutrition.
Butcher’s Pet Care - October 2024: IPN acquired Butcher’s Pet Care for £43m ($55.8m). Butcher’s is a UK wet dog food brand known for canned and tray-based meals.
Pet Food UK - December 2021: a premium pet food company behind the Barking Heads, Meowing Heads, and AATU brands. Founded in 2009, Pet Food UK specialises in premium natural dog and cat food and treats.
Capiton
Tierliebhaber - acquired by AlphaPet Ventures, a portfolio company of Capiton, in 2026.
Capiton is a German private equity firm headquartered in Berlin. Founded in 1999, the firm focuses on lower mid-market companies across the DACH region. Capiton targets businesses with €50m to €300m in annual revenue. The firm manages approximately €1.6bn in assets.
Relevant Pet Products Acquisitions
AlphaPet Ventures: is a European pet food platform that focuses on premium and digital-first pet nutrition brands.
Tierliebhaber - April 2026: One of Germany's brands specialising in premium pet supplements and functional snacks. The company offers products targeting joint health, digestion, immunity, skin and coat health, and overall pet wellbeing.
Cpro Food - March 2026: A Belgian manufacturer of super-premium dog and cat food. The acquisition supports AlphaPet's manufacturing capabilities and increases its presence in Belgium and neighbouring countries.
JR Pet Products - January 2025: a UK brand specialising in natural dog treats and chews. JR is known for simple, high-meat products such as pure meat sticks, training treats and natural chews.
Herrmann’s Manufaktur - February 2023: a German certified organic pet food brand. Herrmann’s produces premium wet food for dogs and cats using organic ingredients and transparent sourcing.
Arden Grange - February 2022: a UK pet food brand known for naturally hypoallergenic dry and wet food for dogs and cats.
Selected Strategic Buyers in Pet Products
Strategic buyers have remained active across the pet products sector, particularly in premium pet food, treats, supplements and fresh nutrition. They look for brands that strengthen their existing portfolios or expand their geographic footprint. Since 2021, a number of the industry's largest consumer goods and pet food companies have completed acquisitions to accelerate growth in premium nutrition, natural ingredients and DTC channels.
General Mills has been one of the most acquisitive strategic buyers in recent years following its entry into pet food through Blue Buffalo. In May 2021, it acquired Tyson Foods' Pet Treats Business for $1.2bn. With this acquisition, it added brands including True Chews, Top Chews and Nudges to strengthen its position in natural meat-based treats. The company continued expanding into adjacent categories with the acquisition of Fera Pets, a veterinarian-created pet supplements brand, in November 2023. It then increased its European presence in April 2024 through the acquisition of Edgard & Cooper, a premium natural pet food brand, for $436m (€389.5m). Finally, in November 2024, General Mills acquired the North American assets of Whitebridge Pet Brands, including Tiki Pets and Cloud Star for $1.45bn.
In January 2022, Mars Petcare acquired Nom Nom (formerly NomNomNow) for $1bn, a fresh dog food subscription business, expanding its footprint in personalised, human-grade pet meals. This was followed in February 2023 by the acquisition of Champion Petfoods, owner of the Orijen and Acana brands. The EV of Champion Petfoods was approximately $2bn at the time of acquisition.
Alongside these larger transactions, strategic acquirers have remained active in the lower middle market. In January 2024, Pet MD Brands, a subsidiary of Swedencare, acquired Riley's Organics for $7.5m, adding a premium organic dog treats brand that complements its existing pet health and wellness portfolio. In August 2024, CopRice, the animal nutrition division of SunRice Group, acquired Australian dog food and treats brand SavourLife for approximately $13.4m. CopRice had already manufactured SavourLife's dog food, making the acquisition a natural extension into branded consumer pet products.
Several pet food companies have also used acquisitions to expand internationally. In May 2025, Hill's Pet Nutrition, a subsidiary of Colgate-Palmolive, acquired Australian premium pet food manufacturer Prime100 for A$500m. In February 2026, Spanish consumer group Agrolimen acquired US fresh pet food subscription brand Ollie for over $600m. In April 2023, Post Holdings entered the pet food sector in a major way through its $1.2bn acquisition of several pet food brands from J.M. Smucker, including 9Lives, Kibbles 'n Bits, Gravy Train, Nature's Recipe, and Rachael Ray Nutrish. These brands generated approximately $1.4bn in net sales in the year prior to the acquisition.
More recently, strategic buyers have also targeted emerging niches within pet nutrition. In February 2026, Pure Treats acquired Primal Pet Foods, a brand in premium raw and freeze-dried pet nutrition, and the combined entity operates under the name Pure Treats Primal Pet Group. Meanwhile, Nasta Pet Food expanded into North America through the acquisition of the Canadian manufacturer FirstMate Pet Foods. Sustainability has also become an acquisition theme. In May 2025, Prefera Petfood acquired the UK plant-based dog food brand The Pack.
Overall, M&A activity in the pet products sector remains strong, with strategic buyers and private equity firms continuing to invest across premium pet food, treats, supplements and other high-growth categories. As consumer preferences evolve and the market continues to consolidate, businesses with differentiated brands, loyal customer bases and strong growth potential are likely to remain attractive acquisition targets. For business owners, identifying the right buyer and preparing the business for a transaction can significantly influence the outcome. Working with an experienced sector-focused advisor like Hahnbeck can help maximise value and navigate a competitive M&A process.
About Hahnbeck
Hahnbeck is a boutique M&A advisory firm specialising in consumer products, DTC brands and adjacent industries. The firm typically advises consumer products businesses generating $2m to $20m in EBITDA on business sales, acquisitions, and other strategic transactions. If you're considering selling your business or would like to discuss your long-term M&A strategy, contact info@hahnbeck.com for a confidential discussion.