Mars Petcare to Acquire Champion Petfoods

Mars Petcare plans to acquire pet food maker Champion Petfoods from an investor group led by Bedford Capital and Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan.

“We are thrilled to welcome Champion Petfoods and its more than 800 talented people to the Mars Petcare family,” said Ikdeep Singh, global president, Mars Pet Nutrition. “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.”

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the first half of 2023.

Champion is known for its Orijen and Acana brands. The brands “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,” according to a press release.

“We are excited to join Mars Petcare and become part of a world leader in pet nutrition and services,” said Blaine McPeak, CEO of Champion Petfoods.  “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.”