Family-owned PSR Trading Ltd (PSR), owner of award-winning retail chain Just for Pets, has announced the acquisition of Pets & Friends from Kennelpak, the pet specialist wholesaler, brand owner and distributor, for an undisclosed fee.

The move strengthens PSR’s position in the independent pet trade and allows Kennelpak to accelerate its ambition in the development of its Wholesale & Distribution division.

The acquisition includes Pets & Friends’19 stores and 17 grooming salons predominantly across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire as well as its thriving online business and subscription service. Pets & Friends will continue under its existing trading name and will operate alongside Just for Pets, as PSR looks to leverage synergies between the two brands to drive investment and innovation within the independent pet trade sector.

Noted for its exceptional customer service and pet nutrition expertise, Pets & Friends will continue to develop its successful proposition that provides pet parents with access to a carefully curated range of products to satisfy all pet needs, and high-quality services such as spa and grooming, nutritional advice, weight checking, puppy play, harness fitting and dog training.  

All Pets & Friends store and salon colleagues will transfer to PSR ensuring that the expertise that Pets & Friends stands for remains.  

Marking a significant milestone in PSR’s growth strategy, the acquisition sees the pet specialist expand its number of stores to 42, predominantly in the Midlands, with the company already on the lookout for new store locations for its brands to bring its proposition and expertise to more communities.

Paul Lewis Managing Director, PSR Trading Ltd said, “We’re excited to welcome Pets & Friends to PSR, it offers something different to customers and complements our portfolio of brands, Just for Pets and DOG by Just for Pets.”

He continued, “All jobs at Store level will remain in place including Store Managers, Store Teams and Groomers and I can’t wait to meet every team member as we look to continue the businesses growth together.”

Claire Bayliss, Chief Executive Officer, Kennelpak, said: “Under our management, Pets & Friends has undergone a significant transformation with investment at every level, evolving from a Midlands-based retailer to a much-loved multichannel pet specialist brand with national reach.  

'Our Wholesale & Distribution division has been the cornerstone of Kennelpak’s heritage for the past 50 years. Our aim is to strengthen its position as the trusted pet specialist, with an even greater emphasis on supporting our distributor partners’ plans for growth and continuing to deliver exceptional service for our customers. 

"We wish Paul and the team at PSR all the very best for the continued success of the Pets & Friends business.”

Pictured: Paul Lewis, Managing Director of PSR Trading Ltd, and Claire Bayliss, Chief Executive, Kennelpak.