In spite of the Covid-19 situation, many pet industry companies made big acquisitions and mergers in 2021.
Probably, the biggest deal was the €3.7 billion ($4.3b) offer by Hellman & Friedman fort he acquisition of Zooplus, although the retailer could record a sales increase during the pandemic.
In July, Central Garden & Pet announced the acquisition of pet food producer D&D Commodities. The business aims to boost the premium brand portfolio.
BrightPet Nutrition Group made acquisitions of MiracleCorp to empower its position in the pet food market.
Platinum Equity acquired the pet products producer Cosmic Pet in October. The company’s products are now included in the portfolio of Petmate, a former acquisition.
Mogiana Alimentos (São Paulo) and Hercosul (Rio Grande do Sul) were acquired by the pet food manufacturer BRF SA for an amount of R$1.35 billion (€230.70M / $260.37M). The business aims to become a leading player in the national pet food industry.
Among retailers and private labels, there were also some remarkable acquisitions.
Through a takeover of 40 Pet Value stores by Pet Supplies Plus, the company could become leader in pet food industry.
The specialty retailers Growlies Pet Foods and Pets West Pets & Supplies were acquired by United Raw Pet Foods.
VetPartners, founded in 2005, acquired the online retailer VetUK and now processes 2,500 to 3,000 orders per day.
United Petfood could increase its production facilities to 17 after acquiring the British manufacturer Cambrian Pet Foods.
J.M. Smucker was acquired by Diamond Pet Foods for roughly $33 million (€29.1M). Furthermore, the US company wants to make an investment in a 200,000 sq. foot (18,580 sqm) production site in Kansas.