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Healthy Pet Deals in 2019

The Nutrition Capital Network (NCN) Database tracked 19 pet product acquisitions in 2018 having natural, organic, or other healthy attributes, up from nine in 2017. While 2019 looks likely to lag 2018 based on the number of acquisitions reported in the first half of the year, financings are keeping up a brisker pace. Premium and […]

2018 Transaction Summary

Pace of Transaction Activity in the Nutrition and Health & Wellness Industry Gains Marginally in 2018 M&As are down 5% in 2018 but financings are up 9% as rate of growth in the number of deals slows from blistering pace of the past four years. NCN Transaction Database tracks 942 total deals in 2018 After […]

NATURAL PETFOOD DEALS: May 2018

NATURAL PETFOOD DEALS Internet-based providers of custom and fresh pet food have kibble in the crosshairs. NomNomNow raised $13 million for custom dogfood with participation from Bullish, CircleUp, e.ventures, Tandem Capital, and Greycroft. Founded in 2015, NomNomNow says it is the only made-to-order fresh pet food company having its own U.S.-based dedicated facility. PetPlate, a […]

PET FOOD DEALS: June 2018

  PET FOOD DEALS Shortly after acquiring Great Life Pet Food and Wild Calling! Pet Foods, Barkstrong LLC completed the purchase of Pioneer Naturals dog food in June. Pioneer Naturals is a kibble brand that is U.S. sourced and cooked at the lowest possible safe temperature to preserve nutrients, which include probiotics, flax, and fish […]

Mars launches investment platforms

In March 2018, Mars Petcare unveiled two initiatives: a $100 million Companion venture capital fund in partnership with Digitalis Ventures; and Leap Venture Studio, an accelerator focused on the future of pet care. The new fund will likely encounter no shortage of potential candidates. March saw pet food deals in both products and services, with […]

Smucker acquires Rachel Ray

Smucker to acquire Rachel Ray dog food maker for $1.9 billion The J. M. Smucker Company (Orrville, Ohio) is to acquire Ainsworth Pet Nutrition LLC (Meadville, Pa.) from L Catterton and the Lang family in a cash transaction valued at approximately $1.9 billion, offset by a $200 million tax benefit. Approximately two-thirds of Ainsworth’s sales […]