Roark acquires Pet Valu in US$131 million deal

Roark Capital Group has acquired Canada-based petfood and pet supplies retailer Pet Valu in a US$131 million deal, according to a news report.

September 8, 2009

Roark Capital Group has acquired Canada-based petfood and pet supplies retailer Pet Valu in a US$131 million deal, according to a news report.

This is Roark's second major acquisition since last year. Pet Valu had 356 franchised and corporate stores in Canada and the US.

Geoffrey Holt, Pet Valu founder, will retire as CEO and be replaced by Tom McNeely. Pet Valu's board will also have Russ Reynolds, CEO of Roark portfolio company Batteries Plus, as well as Steve Romaniello and Ezra Field, managing directors of Roark, and Jaime Wall, vice president, Roark.

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Former FDA scientist named K-State-AAFCO ingredient review manager

Researchers found that popular sporting breeds — particularly Labrador retrievers and Golden retrievers — demonstrate significantly higher food motivation compared to other breed groups.

Study: Canine obesity stems from various complex factors

Pet Food Regulations

Former FDA scientist named K-State-AAFCO ingredient review manager

Garret Ashabranner will oversee the scientific evaluation process for new pet food and livestock feed ingredient submissions through the SRIS partnership.

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Brand Insights

Simplify Pet Food Labeling: Strategies for Navigating Global Regulations

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Learn how regulatory complexity is impacting the pet food industry and how brands will meet the challenge using the right digital tools

Simplify Pet Food Labeling: Strategies for Navigating Global Regulations

Study: Canine obesity stems from various complex factors

Texas A&M University research identifies breed-specific feeding challenges affecting half of U.S. dogs.

Researchers found that popular sporting breeds — particularly Labrador retrievers and Golden retrievers — demonstrate significantly higher food motivation compared to other breed groups.

Pet Food Lawsuits, Litigation

Integrated Proteins CEO faces sexual harassment lawsuit

Former employee alleges pet food company CEO Joe Hubbard engaged in physical harassment and retaliation after complaints were reported to HR.

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Petfood Forum News

Asia-Pacific pet food market poised for strategic evolution

Sahiba Puri with Euromonitor International will highlight regional opportunities, premium positioning strategies at Petfood Forum Asia in Bangkok this October.

In the Asia-Pacific region, a growing cat and dog population, evolving pet humanization, appeal for premium offerings and low penetration levels of packaged food feeding is creating prospects for market expansion and penetration.

Global Commerce

Purina PetCare sales down in H1 2025, but still growing

Purina PetCare remained a top contributor to Nestlé's profitability, with steady margins and positive volume growth despite a slowing pet food category.

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PFI promotes Ebersole to VP government relations, Waters to international director

Pet Food Institute

The Pet Food Institute has promoted two staff members to expanded leadership roles in government relations and international trade.

The Pet Food Institute has promoted Atalie Ebersole (right) and Dana Waters (left).

Brand's Best Friend wins Hyer's 2025 Breakthrough Culture Award

Pet-focused e-commerce agency Brand's Best Friend has received recognition for workplace culture practices among 100 companies nationwide.

Market Trends and Reports

Survey: Despite economic pressures, consumer spending priorities favor pets

Consumer research indicates pet food and product purchasing continues to outpace personal spending despite broader financial constraints.

Data from CouponCabin shows 44% of respondents prioritize spending on pets over personal purchases, family or friends.

Pet Food Marketing and Branding

BARK adds dog advisory committee

Company has announced a new corporate structure positioning dogs as co-owners and advisors.

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Neogen Corp. names Mike Nassif as CEO and president

Mike Nassif has been named as Neogen Corp.'s new CEO and president, and will also join the company's board of directors.

Ollie names Allison Stadd chief marketing officer

Fresh dog food company expands leadership team as it moves into broader wellness platform.

Pet Food Marketing and Branding

Purina partners with St. Louis CITY SC, introduces Team Pet

Nestle Purina PetCare

Major League Soccer team becomes first professional sports club to employ certified facility dog for player and fan wellbeing support with Purina's help.

St. Louis CITY SC's team pet will join players during training and recovery while participating in matchday activities at Energizer Park.

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