AlphaPet Ventures, a digital brand platform for premium pet food based in Munich, has acquired Tierliebhaber, a German pet supplement and functional snack brand, marking the company's sixth acquisition since 2020 and its second in the first quarter of 2026.
Tierliebhaber was founded in 2016 by Philipp Smakman and Josefine Schmidt in Berlin. Katharina Smakman joined early in the company's development and became managing director in 2021. Together, Katharina and Philipp Smakman grew the brand into what the company describes as a leading name for pet supplements and functional snacks in Germany. The portfolio includes products for digestion, tick protection, dental care, joint health and calming support.
AlphaPet's existing portfolio includes the brands Wolfsblut, Wildes Land, Arden Grange, Herrmann's Manufaktur, JR Pet Products and Cpro Food. The company uses a multi-channel strategy that combines direct-to-consumer digital sales with retail partnerships.
Marco Hierling, founder and CEO of AlphaPet, said Tierliebhaber strengthens the company's position in the health and wellness segment. "With Wolfsblut VetLine, we have already built a strong position in veterinary food, Tierliebhaber now adds a leading brand in preventive care, offering natural products that support pets' health every day," he said.
Fritjof Franz, managing partner at capiton, called the acquisition a strategic fit. "The addition of a dedicated pet supplement brand to AlphaPet's platform creates significant strategic value and marks an important next step in expanding AlphaPet's platform beyond traditional pet food," he said.
Katharina Smakman said the deal provides new reach for the brand. "AlphaPet shares that vision and brings the platform, the reach and the expertise to take Tierliebhaber together with us to the next level," she said. Philipp Smakman added that the acquisition preserves what makes the brand distinctive while opening new channels and markets.
The entire Tierliebhaber team will remain with the company, with Katharina and Philipp Smakman continuing as managing directors.
The acquisition was financed through a combination of equity and debt. Patria Investments served as lead investor, with contributions from Venture Stars and existing AlphaPet shareholders. Debt financing was provided by CVC.
Mark Nicolson, partner and head of primary investments at Patria, cited the brand's direct-to-consumer capabilities and position in functional pet health as factors in the investment decision. "Supporting AlphaPet's second acquisition this quarter as lead investor once again reflects our conviction in the platform's strategy and management team," he said.
In March 2026, AlphaPet acquired Cpro Food, a super-premium dog and cat food brand founded in 2014 by sisters Anne-France and Béatrice Germeau in Ans/Liège, Belgium, that offers dry food, wet food and treats through specialty pet retailers and breeders. The Cpro Food deal was AlphaPet's fifth acquisition since 2020. In January 2025, the company acquired JR Pet Products, a UK brand specializing in natural chews and treats for dogs.
Prior to the JR Pet Products, AlphaPet made four other acquisitions as part of its strategy to become a leader in premium pet food and treats across Europe. Other acquisitions included Herrmann’s Manufaktur brand and Arden Grange.
