Expansions and acquisitions

The year kicked off for Ferplast with the acquisition of former competitor Marchioro. Ferplast proudly announced that it has thus become the biggest manufacturer of accessory products in Europe. What no one yet knew at the time was that it would also swallow up the specialist aquatics manufacturer Hydor, which had ceased production back in January 2021.

In September, Platinum Equity announced the acquisition of Petmate. CEO Alice Tillett continues to lead the company following the change in ownership. Just one month later, Platinum Equity announced the acquisition of Cosmic Pet, a leading designer, marketer and distributor of pet products, including toys, beds, collars and leashes, treats, food and bowls, and other accessories. Cosmic Pet will be merged with Platinum Equity portfolio company Petmate.

At the end of October, United Petfood announced the acquisition of Teeling Petfood. The Dutch manufacturer had been producing wet food for both dogs and cats since 1989 and employed around 100 people. With two additional production plants, United Petfood Group now operates out of 19 pet food facilities situated in 8 different European countries.

In September, Swedish pet food manufacturer Voff Premium Pet Food acquired Carne's Doggi. Along with Haustierkost.de and Dibo, Carne's Doggi is the third German company now owned by Voff. In December the company took over Aniforte - the sixth acquisition by the Stockholm-based company.

Manna Pro agreed to acquire Dinovite, a 20-year-old family-owned and -operated online pet brand that offers premium whole food supplements and wellness products for dogs and cats. The acquisition followed several acquisitions of online-focused brands in the past.

The Hong-Kong-based private equity firm Fountain Vest Partners was planning to acquire pet food manufacturer Ziwi. "This signing is an important milestone in our global growth ambitions, which we had back in 2004 when the company was established," said Richard Lawrence, managing director of Ziwi.

Maxi Zoo Ireland announced the acquisition of all stores and the online shop of Equipet. As a result of this acquisition, Maxi Zoo Ireland now operates 29 shops nationwide with 285…