German-based pet supplies business Fressnapf has taken over Italian pet care retailer Arcaplanet in a deal backed by international private equity firm Cinven.
Cinven has realised its investment in Arcaplanet to 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 Arcaplanet Group using Cinven funds.
Cinven acquired a majority stake in Arcaplanet in 2022 and subsequently combined the business with MaxiZoo Italia – Fressnapf’s former Italian subsidiary – 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 last two years, growing its physical store network to more than 560 locations in Italy and broadening its digital presence and suite of services dedicated to pets. The Arcaplanet Group is expected to generate more than €700 million of revenues in 2024.
Over the past 34 years, under the leadership of founder Torsten Toeller and with the recent backing of Cinven, Fressnapf has expended to cover more than 2,600 speciality stores across 14 countries. The combined group is expected to generate total gross revenues of €5 billion in 2024.
Arcaplanet will continue to operate under the current structure and the Arcaplanet brand in Italy, and Toeller will maintain majority ownership and his role as chairman of the Fressnapf Group. The terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed and the transaction will be subject to customary regulatory and antitrust approvals.
Cinven also recently sold its majority stake in manufacturer Partner in Pet Food 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 resolute focus on making the life of pet lovers and their pets easier, better and happier, following our vision of ‘Happier Pets, Happier People.”
