Mars Petcare has signed an agreement to acquire Champion Petfoods, owner of the Orijen and Acana brands.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to complete in the first half of 2023. The terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Champion Petfoods was founded in Alberta, Canada, more than 35 years ago and has grown to be a key player in the global pet food industry across 90 countries including Canada, the US, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. Described as a pioneer in biologically appropriate pet foods, Champion Petfoods’ dry food products are manufactured in company-owned kitchens in Canada and the US. The company is currently owned by an investor group led by Bedford Capital and Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan.
The Mars Petcare portfolio includes the Pedigree, Whiskas, Cesar and Royal Canin brands, as well as a number specialist veterinary care products, and the company explained that Champion Petfoods’ brands will complement Mars Petcare’s existing pet food portfolio “by adding well-respected brands in the premium pet food category, broadening further its offering within pet specialty and independent retail, as well as digital commerce channels”.
Ikdeep Singh, global president at 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, chief executive officer at Champion Petfoods, 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 recognize all the employees over our history who helped build Champion into a pre-eminent global pet food company with our incredible brands Orijen and Acana.
“We look forward to working with Mars Petcare on taking Champion to an entirely new level.”
