The £1.2bn flotation of Handforth-based retail group Pets at Home has been named Insider's Deal of the Month for March.

The Cheshire business raised £280m with its flotation which gave it a market capitalisation of £1.2bn.

Pets at Home, which was originally founded in 1991 with a store in Chester, plans to increase its store portfolio to more than 500 locations.

The group also operates small animal veterinary surgeries, principally under a joint venture model using the Companion Care and Vets4Pets brand names and in-store Groom Room grooming salons, and further growth in these areas of its business is also planned.

Insider news editor David Casey said: "2014 is shaping up to be the resurgence of the float and here in the North West we've already seen Pets at Home, Boohoo and AO in the early part of the year.

"Pets at Home has big plans for its growth and store expansion so with the UK's reputation as a nation of pet lovers, the improving economic picture, and an experienced board in place, things can only continue to get better for the business."