Mars Petcare, part of Mars Inc., has signed an agreement to acquire Champion Petfoods, a global pet food maker, from an investor group led by Bedford Capital and Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan.
“We are thrilled to welcome Champion Petfoods and its more than 800 talented people to the Mars Petcare family,” said Ikdeep Singh, global president of pet nutrition. “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.”
Mars Petcare is a 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. Mars Petcare believes that Champion Petfoods’ brands will complement its 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 U.S. Its capabilities and experienced employees will support Champion Petfoods in driving growth, innovation and success. Combined with Mars Petcare, Champion Petfoods will also be able to capitalize on opportunities to expand its portfolio to meet evolving pet owner needs.
“We are excited to join Mars Petcare and become part of a world leader in pet nutrition and services,” said Blaine McPeak, CEO, Champion Petfoods. “This announcement is a wonderful way to recognize all the employees over our history who helped build Champion into a pre-eminent global pet food company with our brands. We look forward to working with Mars Petcare on taking Champion to an entirely new level.”
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.
For more information, visit mars.com.
