Central Garden & Pet Acquires TRIXIE for €10B

Central Garden & Pet Company has agreed to acquire a majority stake in TRIXIE Heimtierbedarf GmbH & Co. KG, a leading European pet supplies company. The acquisition, involving an undisclosed financial arrangement, highlights Central's strategic push into international markets. Headquartered in Tarp, Germany, TRIXIE is a significant player in the pet supplies sector, offering a wide range of products to over 30,000 retail locations worldwide.

TRIXIE, which was founded in 1974 and employs nearly 600 people, generates about 90% of its sales from its proprietary product lines. The company is noted for its prolific in-house design team, which releases approximately 500 new products annually. This acquisition places TRIXIE under the umbrella of Central’s Pet segment, which will boost Central’s non-U.S. revenue to around 10% of its net sales. TRIXIE's management team, including Dirk Jessen, will remain in place, with Jessen and co-owner Volker Haak retaining minority shares. The transaction is anticipated to be finalized in the first half of fiscal 2027, subject to regulatory clearance.

Central Garden & Pet views this acquisition as a strategic step to expand its presence in the European pet supplies market, which is valued at approximately €10 billion and is projected to grow steadily. The company aims to leverage TRIXIE’s established market position and logistical strengths to enhance its offerings and reach within Europe. The move aligns with Central's broader goal of diversifying its geographical footprint and tapping into the lucrative European pet supplies market.

The acquisition occurs within a competitive landscape where the European pet supplies market is witnessing increasing consolidation and market entries by global players seeking growth outside their domestic markets. TRIXIE’s established distribution network and brand diversity present Central with an opportunity to compete more aggressively against other multinational pet supply firms vying for market share.

As the transaction awaits regulatory approval, both parties emphasize their commitment to mutual values and long-term strategic goals. The completion of this deal will depend on meeting customary closing conditions, with both companies poised to benefit from enhanced operational synergies and expanded market access.