Inspired Pet Nutrition acquires Butcher’s Pet Care
IPN was advised by Harris Williams and Raymond James and the shareholders of Butcher’s were advised by Houlihan Lokey
Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN), the independent UK pet food company controlled by CapVest Partners, has announced the acquisition of Butcher’s Pet Care (BPC), a leading manufacturer of wet pet food.
BPC was founded in 1983 and is one of the UK’s leading wet pet food manufacturers, providing wet dog and cat food products under three brands: Butcher’s dog food, Blink!, and Classic.
The company also manufactures own-label pet food for a range of customers, including multiples and specialist pet shops, and holds an established position in Poland.
Moreover, BPC operates a well-invested 385,000 sq ft manufacturing and distribution facility located in Crick, Northamptonshire.
Following the acquisition, IPN also announced it will appoint Arthur van Benthem as CEO of the enlarged group, which will have combined gross sales of approximately £350m, predominantly comprising branded products.
Van Benthem will lead IPN’s growth strategy and has extensive experience working with management teams and private equity owners to grow and develop international businesses.
With a background in sales and marketing, he has held executive leadership roles across several markets in EMEA, USA, and the Asia/Pacific region with companies such as Unilever, the Coca-Cola Company, Royal FrieslandCampina, Imperial Brands and most recently Dunlop.
IPN was advised by Harris Williams and Raymond James and the shareholders of Butcher’s were advised by Houlihan Lokey.
The deal is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2024 and the terms of the transaction have yet to be disclosed.
Van Benthem said: “Butcher’s brand portfolio and business is highly complementary to IPN and consistent with our vision and strategy to expand the business and create a portfolio of natural, wet and dry pet food brands with superior nutrition, which is affordable and accessible to all pet owners.
“Strategically, it also provides us with an established platform and opportunity to expand our presence in the growing European pet food market. On completion of the transaction, we look forward to welcoming our new Butcher’s colleagues into the IPN family and working with them to realise our joint growth ambitions for the future.”
Tim Watsham, CEO of Butcher’s Pet Care, concluded: “Joining forces with IPN and CapVest is a fantastic opportunity for Butcher’s. Together, we share a passion for providing the best nutrition for pets and a commitment to excellence. We look forward to leveraging IPN and CapVest resources and expertise to pursue our growth ambitions and continue delivering high-quality products to our customers.”
