United Petfood has acquired a 50% stake in SmartPetPro, a German producer of premium wet pet food. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The investment establishes a long-term strategic partnership between the two companies and strengthens United Petfood’s position in Germany, one of Europe’s largest pet food markets.
The transaction also expands United Petfood’s presence in the premium wet food category.
SmartPetPro will gain access to United Petfood’s international resources, industry expertise and broader customer network while continuing to operate with its existing entrepreneurial identity.
SmartPetPro specializes in premium wet pet food and has developed a strong position in the German market through its focus on product quality, flexibility and close customer relationships.
United Petfood believes the combination of SmartPetPro’s local market expertise and its own international scale will create additional growth opportunities for both businesses.
The partnership is expected to help SmartPetPro increase production, serve a broader customer base and accelerate the development of its premium pet food operations.
As part of the agreement, Lars Oehlmann will continue to lead SmartPetPro as chief executive officer.
His continued leadership is intended to provide operational continuity while the company enters its next stage of development.
SmartPetPro co-founders Stefan Pfannmöller and Erich Herrmann will also remain closely involved with the business.
They will continue supporting the company’s long-term strategy and expansion plans.
The partnership provides a foundation for additional investment in SmartPetPro’s production site in Dessau-Roßlau, Germany.
Expanding the facility could help the company increase manufacturing capacity and respond to growing customer demand for premium wet pet food products.
United Petfood manufactures pet food for customers across international markets and has continued expanding its production capabilities and product portfolio.
The SmartPetPro investment allows the company to strengthen its local presence in Germany while adding specialized expertise in premium wet food manufacturing.
A 50% ownership position gives United Petfood a significant interest in SmartPetPro while allowing the German company’s existing leadership and founders to remain involved.
The structure reflects the companies’ intention to combine international resources with local decision-making and entrepreneurial management.
The partnership is focused on helping customers grow through product innovation, manufacturing expertise and consistent quality.
SmartPetPro expects United Petfood’s resources and commercial network to help it expand more quickly without changing the core operating culture that has supported its growth.
For United Petfood, the transaction adds a growing German business with established customer relationships and experience in a premium segment of the pet food market.
The companies plan to work together on SmartPetPro’s production expansion and broader commercial development.
KEY QUOTES:
“This partnership is a natural fit. SmartPetPro has built an impressive business with a strong entrepreneurial culture, deep expertise in premium wet petfood and an excellent reputation in the German market.”
Dominiek Dumoulin, Founder of United Petfood Group
“This transaction allows us to combine local entrepreneurship with international scale to create even more value for our customers and support their future growth. We are excited to welcome SmartPetPro into the United Petfood family and look forward to growing together.”
Dries Eeckhout, CEO of United Petfood Group
“From day one, SmartPetPro has focused on delivering premium quality, flexibility and close partnerships with our customers. Joining forces with United Petfood gives us the opportunity to accelerate our growth while staying true to the entrepreneurial spirit that defines our company. Together, we are creating a strong platform for the future of premium petfood in Germany.”
Lars Oehlmann, CEO of SmartPetPro
