Pets at Home has bought equestrian retailer Ride-Away as part of efforts to expand its specialist retailing.Ride-Away, based near York, was advised on the deal by Newcastle-based lawyers Ward Hadaway and the Newcastle office of professional services company KPMG.
The family-owned equestrian business was started in 1980 by Stephen and Angela Clark, selling horse riding clothing and equipment from its shop, catalogue and website. It turned over £6.7m last year.
Nick Wood, Pets at Home chief executive, said: “The acquisition of Ride-Away is a really exciting opportunity for Pets at Home where our equestrian offer is very limited at present.
“Stephen and Angela Clark have built Ride-Away into a significant multi-channel operation, specialising in the equestrian market.
“By deploying our wealth of experience and resources to support an accelerated growth plan, we look forward to developing the business further over the coming years.
“The success of Pets at Home is built on a foundation of friendly expertise delivered by outstanding colleagues, authoritative ranges, product innovation and great service.
“We believe in Ride-Away we have bought a business that shares these attributes.”