Mars Petcare has announced that it will acquire leading global pet food maker Champion Petfoods with the deal to close early 2023.
Champion Petfoods is being acquired from an investor group led by Bedford Capital and Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan.
For more than 35 years, Champion Petfoods has been a pioneer in biologically appropriate pet foods, with its two premier brands, Orijen and Acana building a strong and trusted reputation in more than 90 countries.
Ikdeep Singh, Global President, Mars Pet Nutrition, is thrilled 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 be even better positioned to support pet lovers and fulfill our Purpose to create A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS,” he says.
Mars Petcare 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 more than 50 years, sharing breakthrough science in areas including preventive health.
Together, Champion Petfoods and Mars Petcare will provide a broader range of options for pet owners. 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.
Champion Petfoods’ dry food products are manufactured in company-owned, world-class kitchens in both Canada and the United States. Mars Petcare’s significant capabilities and experienced Associates will support Champion Petfoods’ team in driving further growth, innovation, and success.
Combined with Mars Petcare, Champion Petfoods will also be able to fully capitalise on opportunities to expand its portfolio to meet evolving pet owner needs.
Blaine McPeak, CEO, Champion Petfoods, said the acquisition will take Champion Petfoods to a whole new level.
“We are excited to join Mars Petcare and become part of a world leader in pet nutrition and services. This announcement is a wonderful way to recognise all the employees over our history who helped build Champion into a pre-eminent global pet food company with our incredible brands Orijen and Acana.”
The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and expected to close in the first half of 2023.
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