Freedom Pet Supplies, a Novacap portfolio company and Canadian pet product distributor, acquired Trueman Distribution Ltd., a distributor based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The acquisition supports Freedom Pet's strategy to establish national distribution capabilities across Canada. Trueman's Calgary facility will serve as Freedom Pet's Western Canadian hub.
"Acquiring Trueman is a major first step toward building a truly national business," said John Ayres, CEO and co-founder of Freedom Pet Supplies. "Our journey began in 2001 with a small warehouse and a handful of dedicated people, and we've grown by staying true to our values — putting people first, earning trust, and serving our partners with integrity. Trueman shares that same foundation. With Novacap's support, we're now expanding westward, and I couldn't be more excited for what this means for our team, our customers, and our vendors."
Ayres, who began his career in the pet industry in 1979, co-founded Freedom Pet Supplies with his wife Kelly in 2001. The company has grown from a 15,000-square-foot warehouse to a 121,000-square-foot distribution operation serving over 1,500 retailers across Canada.
"Joining Freedom Pet is a natural evolution for our company," said Paul Trueman, president of Trueman Distribution Ltd. "We've always believed in putting our customers first, and we see the same approach in Freedom Pet. We are excited to work alongside a partner who shares our commitment to quality, service, and people."
Trueman Distribution has operated for over 30 years in Western Canada.
