Assisi Pet Care has acquired leading natural pet food manufacturer Forthglade from European private equity firm IK Partners. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Okehampton, Devon, Forthglade is one of the UK’s leading premium natural pet food brands, specialising in high-quality, minimally processed wet and dry dog food and natural treats. Operating out of its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Devon, the Company has established a highly diversified omni-channel distribution model across major grocery retailers, independent specialist pet stores and a fast-growing online platform across both direct-to-consumer and third-party online channels.

IK acquired a majority stake in Forthglade in August 2020 through its IK Small Cap II Fund (“IK SC II”). Since then and under the leadership of CEO David Cox, Forthglade has doubled revenues; significantly expanded its production capacity; accelerated its digital commerce footprint; and scaled its product offering across wet and dry food, treats and supplements.

The acquisition marks a significant strategic milestone for Assisi and its latest step in building a leading European platform in premium, natural pet care since Wind Point acquired the Group in 2023. Forthglade materially strengthens Assisi’s position in premium natural pet food, adding a differentiated, much-loved brand with strong momentum across grocery, specialist and online channels. It joins Assisi's existing premium brand portfolio, which includes Burns, Hollings, HiLife, Maced, Pet Munchies, Yakers and NAW — creating a highly complementary natural pet food and treats group with robust manufacturing capabilities across the UK and Continental Europe.

Chris Melander, CEO of Assisi Pet Care, said: "We have long admired Forthglade and the business David and his team have built. To create such a strong, multi-channel brand; trusted by pet owners across grocery, specialist retail and online, is a real achievement, underpinned by a passionate commitment to natural, high-quality nutrition. Forthglade is an outstanding fit for Assisi and we are excited to invest behind the brand and the business to unlock its next phase of growth."

David Cox, CEO of Forthglade, added: "Joining the Assisi family marks an exciting new chapter for Forthglade and is testament to the incredible journey we have been on over the last few years. I am immensely proud of how we have developed the business, establishing the Company as a trusted leader in premium, minimally processed pet food. None of this would have been possible without the dedication, passion and hard work of our exceptional team, as well as the support of IK throughout this journey. Partnering with Assisi provides the strategic support to accelerate our growth and we are all excited about the next stage for the business."

Tom Salmon, Partner at IK Partners and Advisor to the IK SC II Fund, commented: "We are proud to have supported Forthglade through a transformational period of growth. Under the leadership of David Cox and the wider management team, the Company has strengthened its position as one of the UK's fastest-growing pet food brands, driven by a clear strategic vision and significant investment across the organisation. We would like to thank David and the entire Forthglade team for their partnership and wish them, together with Assisi, every success in the next chapter of the Company's journey.”