Wind Point Partners acquires Assisi Pet Care

Wind Point Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm, has acquired Assisi Pet Care Group Limited, a producer of premium and natural dog and cat food and treats producer.

Headquartered in Melton Mowbray, United Kingdom, the company’s products are sold in the UK and throughout Europe, with two natural treat production facilities located in Poland.

Assisi is a “key” partner to customers across the grocery, e-commerce and pet specialty channels, offering an array of branded and private label products.

Assisi was founded in 2020 by CEO Peter Mangion, as a platform to acquire, integrate and grow pet food and treat companies with “established reputations and strong potential”.

Under Mr. Mangion’s leadership, Assisi has grown significantly through the implementation of organic growth initiatives and the completion of four acquisitions that expanded the company’s product capabilities and geographic reach.

Meanwhile, Wind Point is a longtime investor in the pet and animal nutrition industry, with select prior and current investments including Targeted PetCare, FoodScience, Petmate and Pestell Nutrition.

Assisi represents the second partnership between Wind Point and Mr. Mangion, who previously served as CEO of a Wind Point investment in the pest control industry.

Wind Point evaluated Assisi in partnership with a team of seasoned executive advisors who possess deep experience across the pet industry.

John Howe, a member of Wind Point’s executive advisor partner (“EAP”) program, will serve as board chair.
Howe is the former CEO of Compana Pet Brands, a global provider of pet care and nutrition products, and a board director at Nivel and New World Natural Brands.

Lora Van Velsor, the former chief marketing officer at Compana Pet Brands, will also join Assisi’s Board as non-executive director.

Reed Smith LLP served as legal counsel to Wind Point and KPMG LLP provided transaction advisory services in connection with the transaction.

Mangion said: ““Assisi has been on a tremendous journey since its inception in 2020, which is a testament to the strength and quality of our people, our customer and supplier relationships and the rich heritage of our brands and products. Wind Point and I have worked closely together for numerous years. Our shared focus on investing in our people and expanding our capabilities makes them the ideal partner for Assisi.”

Adam Jump, vice president at Wind Point, added: “Assisi is a rapidly growing platform with significant opportunity in the dynamic European pet care industry. Peter and the Assisi management team have built an outstanding business that sits at an exciting inflection point. We look forward to supporting the Assisi team as they continue to build a differentiated pet foods and treats platform.”