BRUSSELS and EDMONTON, ALBERTA — On Nov. 1, Mars Petcare announced it has signed an agreement to acquire Champion Petfoods, which owns pet food brands ORIJEN and ACANA. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Since its founding in 1985, Champion Petfoods has focused on “biologically appropriate” pet nutrition to support overall pet health and wellness. 

The company has developed its ORIJEN and ACANA brands, expanding their presence into more than 90 countries. Champion Petfoods currently operates state-of-the-art kitchens in Edmonton, Canada, and Auburn, Ky., where it manufactures its dry pet food products.

Champion Petfoods is owned by an investor group led by Bedford Capital and Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan.

“We are thrilled to welcome Champion Petfoods and its more than 800 talented people to the Mars Petcare family,” said Ikdeep Singh, global president of Mars Pet Nutrition. “The Champion Petfoods team has been a pioneer in developing high-quality and premium pet food in the natural category that pet lovers around the world trust. Together, we will be even better positioned to support pet lovers and fulfill our purpose to create A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.”

According to Mars, Champion Petfoods’ brands complement Mars Petcare’s portfolio, expanding its offerings in the premium pet food category and advancing its position within pet specialty, independent pet and digital commerce retail channels.

Through the acquisition, Mars will support Champion Petfoods by leveraging its capabilities and experienced personnel to drive further growth and innovation. Champion Petfoods will be combined with Mars Petcare, receiving support to expand its portfolio and meet consumer demand.

“We are excited to join Mars Petcare and become part of a world leader in pet nutrition and services,” said Blaine McPeak, chief executive officer of Champion Petfoods. “This announcement is a wonderful way to recognize all the employees over our history who helped build Champion into a pre-eminent global pet food company with our incredible brands ORIJEN and ACANA. We look forward to working with Mars Petcare on taking Champion to an entirely new level.”

The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2023.