Inflexion Private Equity announced this week that it has invested in Lintbells Limited, a leading producer of nutritional supplements for pets.

Founded in 2006, Lintbells is now the leading pet supplements company in the UK, including two key brands: YuMOVE, the number one joint mobility supplement for dogs and cats, and YuMEGA, the UK’s number one supplement for skin and coat.

Lintbells has growing international businesses in Asia and Europe.

The UK market for pet supplements is worth approximately £100m and is growing at 7% per annum as pet owners become more aware of the existence and effectiveness of such products.

With an immature and fragmented market, there is significant scope for Lintbells to scale further. There is also the opportunity to launch new products, enhance Lintbells’ existing digital presence and continue its international expansion.

Inflexion can draw on its experience in the pet-care market, having already invested in Medivet, the UK’s largest independent operator of veterinary practices, and Kynetec, the primary provider of market data to companies operating in this sector. 

Tim Smallbone, Head of the Enterprise Fund, Inflexion, commented, “We are delighted to have partnered with such a strong and motivated management team. The business is well placed to accelerate its already impressive growth in both the UK and internationally, with significant investment and R&D underpinning Lintbells’ prospects.”

John Howie, CEO & Co-founder of Lintbells, said: “We are excited to have brought on board a true partner whose international presence and sector expertise will be invaluable as we work together to drive Lintbells’ growth.

"We knew we had found the right partner when the Inflexion team showed the ability to quickly understand our business and what drives it. It made the process move incredibly swiftly.

"We look forward to working closely with them as Lintbells attracts new customers, launches new products, and enters new geographies.”

The Inflexion deal team comprised Tim Smallbone, Ben Long and Robin Senivassen. Ben Long will join the board on completion.

This deal was made by affiliated funds advised by Inflexion Private Equity Partners LLP.