Dragons’ Den investor backs UK pet firm to become a global player
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Deborah Meaden, who invested in innovative pet brand Billy+Margot during an episode of TV hit show Dragons’ Den, believes the company is on the road to huge success worldwide.
Billy+Margot was acquired by Australian company V.I.P Petfoods Pty Ltd, trading as Real Pet Food Company (RPFC) from the Company of Animals last month.
David Grant, CEO for RPFC, said the acquisition represented an important step in his 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.
Billy+Margot's founder Marie Jones is staying with the company as Country Manager.
Marie entered the Dragons’ Den in 2012 and gained investment from Deborah Meaden.
Following the acquisition by the Real Pet Food Company, Deborah said: “I was pleased that Marie accepted my offer to go into partnership on Dragons’ Den as I recognised the strength of both the Billy+Margot brand and that of Marie.
“We worked together for three years and I've always said that this was one of my favourite investments.
“She has now joined forces with one of the biggest pet food manufacturers in Australia and clearly they saw the same potential as I did.
“With this new backing and expertise I have little doubt that Marie will achieve her ambition of making Billy+Margot a global player in the premium sector of the pet food market.
“I would like to wish the her well and look forward to following the story as she writes the next chapter for Billy+Margot.”
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