Chicago-based private equity firm Wind Point Partners has acquired Assisi Pet Care Group., whose brands include Pet Munchies, Hollings and HiLife.

Melton Mowbray-based Assisi’s products are sold in the UK and throughout Europe, with two natural treat production facilities located in Poland. 

Assisi was founded in 2020 as a platform to acquire, integrate and grow leading pet food and treat companies with established reputations and strong potential.

Wind Point is partnering with Assisi management, led by founder and CEO Peter Mangion. 

Under Mangion’s leadership, Assisi has grown significantly through the implementation of organic growth initiatives and the completion of four acquisitions that expanded the Company’s product capabilities and geographic reach. 

Assisi represents the second partnership between Wind Point and Mangion, who previously served as CEO of a Wind Point investment in the pest control industry.

Peter Mangion said: "I am delighted to be partnering with Wind Point Partners to take Assisi Pet Care into the next phase of its development. My sincere thanks to Harwood Private Equity for backing Assisi from its inception, just three years ago, and for supporting its rapid growth through four acquisition transactions.

"I am very much looking forward to working with the team at Wind Point again and repeating the success we shared in a previous relationship. In Wind Point and Harwood, I am very fortunate to have worked with two fantastic private equity backers, across two very different categories, and to have enjoyed great success with both.

"Huge thanks to the Assisi team for making this happen, especially Steve Woodhams without whom this deal would not have been possible. The future is very bright for Assisi Pet Care."

He added: “Assisi has been on a tremendous journey since its inception in 2020, which is a testament to the strength and quality of our people, our customer and supplier relationships and the rich heritage of our brands and products,”

"Wind Point and I have worked closely together for numerous years. Our shared focus on investing in our people and expanding our capabilities makes them the ideal partner for Assisi.”

Adam Jump, Vice President at Wind Point, noted: “Assisi is a rapidly growing platform with significant opportunity in the dynamic European pet care industry. Peter and the Assisi management team have built an outstanding business that sits at an exciting inflection point. We look forward to supporting the Assisi team as they continue to build a differentiated pet foods and treats platform.” 

Wind Point is a longtime investor in the pet and animal nutrition industry, with select prior and current investments including Targeted PetCare, FoodScience, Petmate and Pestell Nutrition. 

Paul Peterson, Wind Point Managing Director, commented: “Assisi operates in attractive markets and is well-positioned through its focus on premium and natural pet foods and treats. Wind Point’s long-term experience in pet positions us well to support Peter and the team in the Company’s next phase of growth.”

Wind Point evaluated Assisi in partnership with a team of seasoned executive advisors who possess deep experience across the pet industry. John Howe, a member of Wind Point’s Executive Advisor Partner (“EAP”) program, will serve as Board Chair. Mr. Howe is the former CEO of Compana Pet Brands, a global provider of pet care and nutrition products, and a Board Director at Nivel and New World Natural Brands. Lora Van Velsor, the former Chief Marketing Officer at Compana Pet Brands, will also join Assisi’s Board as Non-Executive Director.

Reed Smith LLP served as legal counsel to Wind Point and KPMG LLP provided transaction advisory services in connection with the transaction.