United Industries Corp. (St. Louis), which goes to market as Spectrum Brands, in June agreed to acquire United Pet Group Inc. (Cincinnati) for $360 million.

United Pet Group, owned by TA Associates (Boston), Friend Skoler & Co. L.L.C. (Saddle Brook, N.J.) and management, manufactures and markets premium pet supplies for dogs, cats, fish, birds and small animals. Its brand names include Eight in One, Nature's Miracle, Dingo, Lazy Pet, Marineland, Perfecto, Aquarium Systems and Jungle Talk.

United Pet Group will operate as a separate division of United Industries and will continue to be led by chief executive officer John Heil.

"We are excited to join the United Industries portfolio and look forward to continued growth of our business, both organically and through acquisitions," Heil said.

The acquisition will diversify United Industries' product offerings and customer base while reducing its exposure to seasonal demand and weather conditions in key markets. The company is the leading manufacturer of value-oriented consumer lawn and garden care and insect-control products, with such brands as Hot Shot, Cutter and Repel.

"We are very excited about entering a new, fast-growing consumer business," said Bob Caulk, chairman and CEO of United Industries. "United Pet Group is a great company, with exceptionally strong management and leading product positions. We are counting on this team to continue its strategy of building strong customer relationships, launching exciting new products and consolidating a fragmented pet supplies industry."

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