The future of specialist pet retailer Just for Pets has been secured following the acquisition of the business this week by newly formed company PSR Trading Limited, a sister company to established pet sector business Pedigree Wholesale.

The deal enables Just for Pets to be rescued from Administration and to maintain employment of nearly 200 staff from its head office and store operations in 18 locations across the country.

The acquisition is driven by Pedigree Wholesale’s commitment to support a strong pet retail market offer for consumers and maintain the presence of specialist pet retailers on the high street and in retail locations across the country.

In addition to safeguarding the future of the business, Pedigree Wholesale will work closely with Just for Pets to ensure stock continuity together with investment to ensure the ongoing development of the Just for Pets product range.

Day-to-day management of Just for Pets will continue under the direction of its existing operational team who will continue to focus on customer engagement, staff development and instore activity.

As part of the acquisition process it was determined that with regret, seven stores could not be maintained and employees based at these stores have been issued with redundancy notices by the Administrator appointed by previous owners Just for Pets Ltd.

The 18 stores that will continue to be operated by PSR Trading Ltd are confirmed as:

• Bristol
• Bromsgrove
• Cambourne
• Cambridge
• Coventry
• Droitwich
• Evesham
• Kidderminster
• Long Eaton
• Malvern
• Maypole
• Northfield
• Nuneaton
• Stourbridge
• Swadlincote
• Telford
• Wolverhampton
• Worcester

Existing Just for Pet stores in the following locations will no longer operate as part of PSR Trading Ltd:

• Bessie & Boo (Evesham)
• Burton upon Trent
• Northampton
• Nottingham
• Reading
• Wellington
• Yardley

Commenting on the acquisition Steve Brown, MD of Pedigree Wholesale commented: “On hearing that the future of Just for Pets was under threat Pedigree Wholesale felt we could play a role in using our pet business expertise to secure a new future for the business. 

"We know Just for Pets has a great reputation for offering outstanding customer service and has developed a loyal customer base so we are pleased that Pedigree Wholesale can now create a future for the business and the brand.”

“The addition of Just for Pets to the Pedigree Wholesale family reinforces our commitment to investing and driving innovation within the pet sector which we believe will support the interests of all who have a stake in the continued success of our industry. 

"We remain committed to developing our core wholesale business and expect to announce further significant investment which will directly support all of our wholesale customers.”