CANADA – Mars Petcare has acquired a Canada-based maker of premium pet foods, Champion Petfoods, from an investor group led by Bedford Capital and the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan.
The deal comes five months after reports emerged that Champion Petfoods’ owners were weighing up their options for a potential sale.
Although the terms of the transaction were not disclosed, in June, Bloomberg reported that the sale could value the Edmonton, Alberta-based dog- and cat-food company at more than US$2bn, quoting people with knowledge of the matter, who requested anonymity because the discussions are private.
According to the Top Pet Food Companies Database, Champion Petfood has revenues of approximately US$200 million.
The company, which built a strong and trusted reputation in more than 90 countries, growing rapidly as pet owners increasingly seek out nutrient-rich pet food, is best known for its pet-food brands Orijen and Acana, which will join a Mars portfolio including Cesar, Royal Can in, and Whiskas.
The acquisition bolsters Mars’s capabilities in the pet food industry, having added three company-owned facilities of Champion Petfood that manufacture dry food products to its 15 manufacturing sites.
The dry pet food manufacturing sites of Champion Petfood include two in Alberta in Canada and the other in the US state of Kentucky.
In addition, Champion Petfoods’ brands complement Mars Petcare’s existing pet food portfolio by adding well-respected brands in the premium pet food category, broadening further its offering within pet specialty and independent retail, as well as digital commerce channels. The broadened portfolio will provide a range of options for pet owners.
Ikdeep Singh, Global President of Mars Pet Nutrition, stated: “It thrills us to welcome Champion Petfoods and its more than 800 talented people to the Mars Petcare family. The Champion Petfoods team has been a pioneer in developing high-quality and premium pet food in the natural category that pet lovers around the world trust.
“Together, we will better our position to support pet lovers and fulfill our purpose to create A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.”
Mars said its Petcare unit is a purpose-driven global business serving pets and pet owners through products and services within veterinary health, nutrition, innovation, and technology.
Supported by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Mars Petcare has been advancing research into the health of pets for over 50 years, sharing breakthrough science in areas including preventive health, Mars added.
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