The dog and cat food industry started 2017 with several mergers and acquisitions, reported Petfood Industry. One of the first was the announcement that WellPet acquired WHIMZEES, a Netherlands-based maker of natural dental chews for dogs.
Last year, WellPet, a manufacturer of natural and pet health-focused pet foods, was also one of the first pet food companies to announce mergers and acquisitions. In January 2016, WellPet acquired Sojos, a family-owned company offering a line of raw, freeze-dried pet food for dogs and cats.
While WellPet is based in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, USA, the company said Sojos would continue to be based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. Sojos was founded in 1985.
WellPet said there would be no changes in the day-to-day operations of either company and that Sojos co-owners Ward and Maggie Johnson would help with the transition.
WHIMZEES dental chews join Wellness, Old Mother Hubbard, Eagle Pack, Holistic Select and Sojos in WellPet lines of premium, natural pet food and treat brands.
“This is a major growth opportunity for WellPet, and an exciting one,” said WellPet Chief Executive Officer, Camelle Kent, in a press release. “Natural dental chews today represent a significant and fast-growing segment of the treats market, and WHIMZEES is an established leader in this category.”
WHIMZEES will continue operations in the Netherlands. The company holds patented designs for a variety of shapes, including a hedgehog, dog bone, alligator and cross bone. WHIMZEES dental treats are currently available in the US through PetSmart, Petco, Pet Supplies Plus, Pet Valu and also available at independent pet retailers and online retailers.
WellPet L.L.C., manufacturer of natural and pet health-focused pet foods, has acquired Sojos, a family-owned company offering a line of raw, freeze-dried pet food for dogs and cats.
Tim Wall covers the dog, cat and other pet food industries as senior reporter for WATT Global Media. His work has appeared in Live Science, Discovery News, Scientific American, Honduras Weekly, Global Journalist and other outlets. He holds a journalism master's degree from the University of Missouri - Columbia and a bachelor's degree in biology.
Wall served in the Peace Corps in Honduras from 2005 to 2007, where he coordinated with the town government of Moroceli to organize a municipal trash collection system, taught environmental science, translated for medical brigades and facilitated sustainable agriculture, along with other projects.
Contact Wall via https://www.wattglobalmedia.com/contact-us/
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