German-based pet supplies business Fressnapf has acquired Italian pet care retailer Arcaplanet in a deal backed by international private equity firm Cinven.
Cinven realized its investment in Arcaplanet with Fressnapf Group, already a strategic partner, and, in a separate transaction, made a new investment in Fressnapf. The agreement allows Fressnapf to take full control of the Arcaplanet Group using Cinven’s funds.
Cinven acquired a majority stake in Arcaplanet in 2022 and subsequently merged the business with MaxiZoo Italia – the former Italian subsidiary of Fressnapf – with Fressnapf holding a minority stake in the combined business. The combination created the Arcaplanet Group, a large omnichannel pet care retailer covering Italy and Southern Europe.
Under the leadership of ceo Nicolò Galante and chairman Peter Pritchard, Arcaplanet Group has seen a material acceleration of performance over the past two years, growing its physical store network to more than 560 locations in Italy and expanding digital presence and suite of services dedicated to pets. Arcaplanet Group is expected to generate more than €700 million of revenues by 2024.
Over the past 34 years, under the leadership of founder Torsten Toeller and with the recent support of Cinven, Fressnapf has spent to cover more than 2,600 specialty stores in 14 countries. The combined group is expected to generate total gross revenue of €5 billion by 2024.
Arcaplanet will continue to operate under the current structure and the Arcaplanet brand in Italy, and Toeller will retain majority ownership and his role as chairman of the Fressnapf Group. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed and the transaction will be subject to custom regulations and antitrust approval.
Cinven also recently sold its majority stake in manufacturer Pet Food Partner to CVC.
Toeller said: “The acquisition of Arcaplanet is an important step for us in a strategic journey.
“Arcaplanet and its team will be joining one of the most successful and fastest growing pet businesses in Europe, with a determined focus on making the lives of pet lovers and their pets easier, better and happier, following our vision of ‘Happier Pets, Happier People.”
