NORTH AMERICA – General Mills, a North American manufacturer and marketer of consumer foods and pet food, has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Edgard & Cooper one of Europe’s leading independent premium pet food brands.
With this transaction, the company said it further advances its Accelerate strategy, including the prioritization of its core markets, global platforms and local gem brands to drive sustainable, profitable growth and top-tier shareholder returns over the long term.
General Mills will fund the acquisition with cash on hand.
Raymond James & Associates Inc. acted as General Mills’ lead financial advisor in this transaction. White & Case LLP served as legal advisor. Morgan Stanley & Co International plc served as exclusive financial advisor to Edgard & Cooper, and Linklaters LLP served as legal advisor.
“Edgard & Cooper is at the intersection of our Accelerate strategy’s core markets and global platforms,” said Jon Nudi, group president, of Pet, International and North America Foodservice of General Mills.
He expressed excitement in welcoming the Edgard & Cooper team to the General Mills family, adding that they are looking forward to partnering together to advance their mission to revolutionize premium, natural pet food.
Established in 2016, Edgard & Cooper is one of the fastest-growing and most-recognized independent pet food companies in Europe, with an estimated 2023 retail sales of more than €100 million (US$107 million) across 13 markets.
With omnichannel distribution capabilities and a commitment to sustainability, the brand is delivering high-quality pet food to dogs and cats across Europe while reducing its impact on the planet.
Headquartered in Kortrijk, Belgium, Edgard & Cooper will be a separate operating unit led by its three founders, Koen Bostoen, Louis Chalabi and Jürgen Degrande, with its financial results consolidated into General Mills’ International segment.
“We’re excited to join Team General Mills and continue doing what Edgard & Cooper is passionate about — making better dog and cat food with real ingredients that pets love and pet owners feel good about,” said Koen Bostoen, founder, Edgard & Cooper.
“Combining our brand’s natural positioning and commercial capabilities with General Mills’ marketing and supply chain expertise, we’re ready to accelerate Edgard & Cooper’s growth,” he added.
General Mills entered the pet food market in 2018 with the acquisition of Blue Buffalo.
Blue Buffalo is manufactured in the U.S. through a hybrid network of owned and contracted facilities. The company’s dry formulas include LifeSource Bits, a blend of nutrients and antioxidants.
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