Mars Petcare to acquire Champion Petfoods

Mars Petcare has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Champion Petfoods, a global pet food maker, from an investor group led by Bedford Capital and Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan.

Mars Petcare’s associates will support Champion Petfoods’ team in driving further growth, innovation, and success. Together, both businesses will provide a broader range of options for pet owners.

Combined with Mars Petcare, Champion Petfoods will also be able to capitalise on opportunities to expand its portfolio to meet “evolving” pet owner needs.

Mars Petcare, part of Mars Incorporated, said that Champion Petfoods’ brands complement its existing pet food portfolio by adding “well-respected” brands in the premium pet food category, broadening its offering within pet specialty and independent retail, as well as digital commerce channels.

Champion Petfoods’ two premier brands, Orijen and Acana, operate in over 90 countries, having operated for over 35 years.

Ikdeep Singh, global president of Mars Pet Nutrition, said: “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.”

Blaine McPeak, Champion Petfoods chief executive, added: “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 recognise all the employees over our history who helped build Champion into a pre-eminent global pet food company.”