Australian firm acquires UK pet business Billy+Margot
V.I.P Petfoods Pty Ltd, trading as Real Pet Food Company (RPFC) in Australia, announced it has acquired the UK business Billy + Margot from its current parent company, The Company of Animals.
Billy + Margot is a UK based producer and distributor of optimum nutrition for Dogs. It gained traction in the market after successfully being supported through its appearance on ‘BBC Dragons’ Den’, and was subsequently bought by The Company of Animals in July 2015.
David Grant, CEO for RPFC said the acquisition represents an important step in the Company’s strategy to grow internationally and enter the UK market with a strong and strategically aligned brand to that of the company’s current portfolio.
Mr Grant pointed out that RPFC is the global market leader in Chilled & Fresh Pet Food.
“This move will strengthen our position in the pet care market globally,” he said.
“Importantly, it allows us to continue to focus on natural and organic ranges that are becoming increasingly important to our consumers."
V.I.P Petfoods was acquired by Quadrant Private Equity (Quadrant) in June 2015.
Billy + Margot's founder Marie Jones told Pet Trade Xtra she is staying with the company as Country Manager.
Pictured:Marie Jones (right), who entered the Dragons' Den and won investment from Deborah Meaden.
