German pet supplies company Fressnapf has acquired Italian pet care retailer Arcaplanet in a deal supported by international private equity firm Cinven.
Cinven has realised its investment in Arcaplanet to Fressnapf Group and made a new investment in Fressnapf in a separate transaction. This agreement allows Fressnapf to take full control of Arcaplanet Group using Cinven funds.
Cinven acquired a majority stake in Arcaplanet in 2022 and combined it with MaxiZoo Italia, Fressnapf’s former Italian subsidiary. Fressnapf held a minority stake in the combined business, creating the Arcaplanet Group, a major omnichannel pet care retailer in Italy and Southern Europe.
Growth and Expansion
Under the leadership of CEO Nicolò Galante and Chairman Peter Pritchard, Arcaplanet Group has accelerated its performance, expanding its physical store network to over 560 locations in Italy and broadening its digital presence. The Group is expected to generate more than €700 million in revenues in 2024.
Fressnapf, led by founder Torsten Toeller and backed by Cinven, has grown to over 2,600 specialty stores across 14 countries in its 34-year history. The combined group is projected to generate total gross revenues of €5 billion in 2024.
Future Operations and Leadership
Arcaplanet will continue to operate under its current structure and brand in Italy. Torsten Toeller will maintain majority ownership and his role as chairman of Fressnapf Group. The terms of the acquisition remain undisclosed, and the transaction is subject to customary regulatory and antitrust approvals. Cinven also recently sold its majority stake in pet food manufacturer Partner in Pet Food to CVC.
Toeller commented, “The acquisition of Arcaplanet is an important step for us in a strategic journey. Arcaplanet and its team will be joining one of the most successful and fastest-growing pet businesses in Europe, with a resolute focus on making the life of pet lovers and their pets easier, better, and happier, following our vision of ‘Happier Pets, Happier People.’”
