Author: David Rees
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…
Dog toy startup Play9 has landed a listing on Pets Corner for its innovative enrichment toy Roolo. Roolo features a specially designed shape to create erratic movements when rolled, promoting scent work, problem solving, slow feeding, and active play to bring out treats hidden inside. As such, it provides enrichment and exercise as well as engaging dogs’ natural instincts and helps to prevent age-related cognitive decline, the manufacturer says. The product was first launched last year on Kickstarter, and Pets Corner has now made the toy available in 150 of its UK stores. The retailer also named it the chain’s…
Retailer Just for Pets has introduced a new range of luxury accessories under the Aso brand. The collection features leather, tweed and rope products made by premium suppliers in Yorkshire and the Cotswolds in colors including Cherry & Blush, Honey & Charcoal and Peacock & Hazlenut. As well as dog collars, leads and accessories, a collection of keyrings is also available in matching colours. Senior brand manager Tom Maltby said: “Like DOG, we’re proud to support British businesses big and small from household names like Barbour to up-and-coming start-up brands. “We are delighted to be the first retailer to stock…
Visitors to the PATS 2024 trade show later this year will have the opportunity to attend cutting-edge repair demonstrations, talks and Q&As over the three days of the event. The exhibition, which will be held at the Telford International Center on Sunday September 29 to Tuesday October 1, 2024, will feature some of the country’s leading groomers within The Grooming Workshop, held in association with pet care brand For All DogKind. Over the three days of PATS, workshops will include live demos, including the secrets behind creating the perfect groom; a live grooming contest; experts in special Q&A sessions; including…
A new study by pet care company Purina shows that 76% of pet adopters consider the adoption experience as important as raising a child. The poll of 600 people also revealed that eight in 10 people who have rescued a pet from a shelter say it is the most rewarding thing they have ever done, with 59% believing they ‘saved its life’ and 30% felt fulfilled by bringing the pet to a loving home. Three-quarters of those polled also said they learned to care about someone other than themselves. Martina McChowat, lead of brand experience for Purina.co.uk, said: “Adopting a…
Shipping technology company Shipster has appointed a new director of sales and partnerships to drive growth and recruit more clients, particularly in the pet care sector. James Stockton is tasked with creating and building on key partnerships throughout 2024 and beyond, ahead of Shipster’s 10th anniversary. He previously held senior roles at AppLearn and AccessPay. Shipster connects online retailers, eCommerce warehouses and distributors with more than 100 leading couriers. Once a buyer pays for an order, Shipster automatically creates shipments and courier bookings, generates tracking information and all shipping and customs documentation. Launched in 2015 by software firm Oddsphere, the…