Nasdaq-listed Central Garden & Pet Company has entered an agreement to acquire a majority stake in fellow dog and cat treats business Trixie.
The undisclosed interest will be purchased from Trixie’s founder Bonnik Hansen, and company shareholders Dirk Jessen and Volker Haak.
Financial terms were not disclosed in a statement from Walnut Creek, California-based Central Garden & Pet, which delivered total group sales last year of $3.1bn.
Trixie, located in Tarp, Germany, was founded in 1974 and supplies treats and snacks for dogs and cats under its own brand name. The company, which employs around 600 people, supplies pet stores in Germany and overseas.
Central Garden & Pet said the acquisition “represents a major step in expanding the company’s presence in Europe”. Trixie’s management will remain in place post the transaction, including Jessen, along with Burkhard Friedrichsen and Danny Bollerey.
Jessen and Haak will remain minority shareholders.
Its CEO Niko Lahanas said: “The addition of Trixie strengthens Central’s position across key European pet supplies markets and adds a scaled platform with deep category expertise, strong retail relationships, and industry-leading logistics and fulfilment capabilities across the region.
“We are pleased that a very strong management team will continue leading the business, and we believe this partnership positions us well to drive long-term growth and better serve pet parents across Europe and the United States.”
The deal is expected to close in the first half of Central Garden & Pet’s 2027 fiscal year, which concludes in September.
The group reported second-quarter group sales of $906m in May, with $477m generated from its pet division. Its brands in dog and cats treats include Bark Worthies, Best Bully Sticks, Paw Love and Cadet.
Trixie’s founder Hansen said: “In looking for a partner, it was important to us to find a company that shares our values, our culture, and our long-term thinking. We are confident that Central is the right partner to build on our strong foundation and carry the company successfully through its next stage of growth.”
