Omnichannel pet care retailer Pet Network International (PNI) has strengthened its position in Southeast Europe with the acquisition of businesses in Bulgaria and Croatia.
Zoo Group Stefanov (ZGS), founded in 2009, is claimed to be the market leader in the Bulgarian pet care market, trading under the Dr Stefanov banner. ZGS operates 29 stores across Bulgaria as well as a market-leading eCommerce platform and PNI will merge its current operations in Bulgaria with ZGS, and consolidate the store estate under the Dr Stefanov banner. Mario Ivanov, chief executive officer of ZGS, joins PNI as the ceo for the Bulgarian market.
Founded in 2013, Zvjerinjak operates stores in Zagreb, Croatia, and will bolster PNI’s presence in the city through the addition of several sites with limited overlap with the existing PNI locations. Zvjerinjak stores will be converted to PNI’s Pet Centar banner in the coming months.
Pet Network International was created in 2018 from existing market leaders in Croatia, Slovenia, Romania and Serbia. Headquartered in Croatia, PNI operates over 200 directly owned stores as well as eCommerce platforms under the banners Animax, Pet Centar, Maxi Pet, Mr Pet and now Dr Stefanov, selling pet food, treats, accessories as well as services such as grooming and veterinary advice.
PNI chief executive Timo Tervo said: “We are proud to announce another major acquisition in Bulgaria and Croatia. This expansion strengthens the position of PNI in the region and proves that growth and investment is our biggest driver.
“Through the acquisition of Zoo Group Stefanov I’m happy to welcome Mario Ivanov to our group’s management team. Mario is truly a pet care professional and will further strengthen our group’s leadership.”
