United Petfood, a Belgian international pet food manufacturer, acquired 50% stake in the German company.
The partnership between two international pet food brands also aims to combine international resources with local reach and expertise. United Petfood has 29 production sites in Europe and America; it aims to strengthen its position in one of Europe’s most poignant and premium petfood markets while expanding its wet food offerings.
Lars Oehlmann, Chief Executive Officer, will continue to lead SmartPetPro as part of the agreement. Co-founders Stefan Pfanmoller and Erich Herrmann will continue to be closely involved in and support the long-term development of the business. The continuing leadership will ensure continuity during a crucial phase of the company’s growth. The partnership also lays the foundation for the expansion of SmartPetPro’s production site in Dessau-Roßlau, Germany.
Dominiek Dumoulin, the founder of United Petfood Group, called this partnership “a natural fit.” He also praises SmartPetPro; it has built an “impressive business with a strong entrepreneurial culture, deep expertise in premium wet petfood and an excellent reputation in the German market.”
Further, Dries Eeckhout, United Petfood Group CEO, shares his excitement at welcoming SmartPetPro to the United Petfood family, and they look forward to growing together. Eeckhout adds that the transaction allows them to create even more value for their customers and support their future growth, as it combines local entrepreneurship and international scale.
SmartPetPro expects the partnership to accelerate its growth ambitions while preserving its entrepreneurial identity. It will also provide the company with access to additional expertise, international resources, and a broader customer network.
SmartPetPro has always been focused on delivering premium quality along with flexibility and close partnerships with customers, highlights Lars Oehlmann, CEO of SmartPetPro. He adds that SmartPetPro and United Petfood are “creating a strong platform for the future of premium petfood in Germany.”
