Montreal-based Pure Treats Inc., owner of the PureBites brand, has agreed to acquire Primal Pet Foods from private equity firm Kinderhook Industries, marking a significant consolidation in the premium raw and freeze-dried pet food segment.
The transaction includes Primal’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Abilene, Texas, and Montrose, Colorado, strengthening PureBites’ North American production footprint. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Marc Cathcart, President of PureBites, described the acquisition as “a transformational moment,” positioning the combined group as a leader in the fast-growing raw and freeze-dried categories. Founded in 2001 by Matt Koss, Primal was an early pioneer of minimally processed raw pet nutrition and has built a strong presence in the independent neighborhood pet retail channel. Kinderhook acquired the brand in 2020.
With the addition of Primal, the newly formed Pure Treats Primal Pet Group will operate two manufacturing kitchens in Texas, a co-packing facility in Montreal, and a raw bones production site in Colorado. The combined capabilities are expected to enhance supply reliability and support continued innovation across raw, freeze-dried and minimally processed food, treats and toppers.
Cathcart said the strategic goal is to return Primal to its roots while maintaining its focus on quality and independent retail partnerships. Legal counsel for the transaction was provided by Norton Rose Fulbright for PureBites and Kirkland & Ellis LLP for Kinderhook.