Mars Petcare to Acquire Champion Petfoods, Maker of ORIJEN, ACANA

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Press release: Mars Petcare

Mars Petcare, part of Mars, Incorporated, recently announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Champion Petfoods, a leading global pet food maker, 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, to nourish dogs and cats the way nature intended them to eat naturally in the wild. Champion Petfoods’ two premier brands, ORIJEN and ACANA, have built a strong and trusted reputation in more than 90 countries, growing rapidly as pet owners increasingly seek out nutrient-rich pet food.

Ikdeep Singh, global president of Mars Pet Nutrition, stated:“We are 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.”

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 over 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’ talented team in driving further growth, innovation, and success. Combined with Mars Petcare, Champion Petfoods will also be able to fully capitalize on opportunities to expand its portfolio to meet evolving pet owner needs.

Blaine McPeak, chief executive officer of Champion Petfoods, stated: “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 recognize 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. 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.