Cascadia Capital, a diversified, boutique investment bank today announced its Consumer Practice advised Zuke's, LLC (d/b/a Zuke's) on its sale to Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, a subsidiary of Nestlé S.A. which closed in late 2013. The transaction reflects increasing interest by major pet product manufacturers in acquiring independent brands that reach a premium customer through the pet specialty channel.
Cascadia's representation of Zuke's is the latest in a line of advisory assignments for the firm in the pet industry. The firm has closed three transactions involving pet companies in the last twelve months and has several active engagements in the space.
"We are very pleased to have had the opportunity to represent Zuke's and its shareholders in this transaction," said Bryan Jaffe, Cascadia Capital Consumer Practice Managing Director. "The Company is an iconic brand in the industry, and its value proposition is both clear and salient in today's consumer market where pet owners want high quality treats that are domestically manufactured."
"In choosing a firm to represent Zuke's in a transaction process, we wanted someone with deep pet industry expertise and proven executive level relationships with large strategic acquirers," said Scott Sellers, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Encore Consumer Capital, the Company's majority shareholder. "Bryan's in depth industry coverage provided Encore comfort that Cascadia was the right firm to help us get this done. The results validate our decision."
Founded in 1995, Zuke's grew to be a leading pet industry brand through a history of innovation. Driven by a set of guiding principles focused on being healthy, being active, and being devoted, the Company created a line of dog treats that help companion animals and their owners create deeper bonds. Zuke's innovative track record was inspired by the needs of the namesake and the lifestyle ethos of the Company's surroundings in Durango, Colorado.
"This acquisition is part of a broader movement among major pet industry players to buy companies whose products resonate with pet owners who shop the pet specialty channel almost exclusively. These pet owners tend to be brand loyal and more apt to base purchasing decisions on product attributes over price," said Bryan Jaffe. "Additionally, we expect these large consolidators to do smaller deals than what has historically been their norm, given that many of these authentic brands generate less than $100 million in revenue."
"Over five years ago Bryan identified the pet industry as a market that would see an increase in capital formation as well as consolidation," said Cascadia Capital, Chief Executive Officer Michael Butler. "Today representing companies in the pet industry has become a core pillar of our Consumer Practice and has positioned our firm as a strategic resource for companies in the industry."
Join the Conversation