BERN, KS — C.J. Foods Inc., a custom manufacturer of specialty dry pet food, announced an agreement to acquire American Nutrition Inc., a supplier of dry, canned and baked pet food and treats.
This transaction creates “the largest independent manufacturer of super premium pet food in the country, producing a total of one billion pounds of pet food annually,” according to a press release. It is expected to close by April.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The acquisition of ANI will enable CJF to offer a full portfolio of pet food and treats with national and international distribution, according to the release. David McLain, CEO, C.J. Foods, will join the board of directors. Tod Morgan remains chairman of the board and Bill Behnken, current president and CEO, ANI, will serve as board member.
“This acquisition creates the leading manufacturer of super premium pet food with a national footprint, focused on producing and delivering the highest quality products to our customers,” said Morgan.
C.J. Foods “has a rich 35-year history in super premium pet food manufacturing with a wide range of international capabilities serving the leading super premium brand owners and retailers,” acccording to the release.
ANI operates five manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S.
“C.J. Foods and ANI are two world-class manufacturers with complementary capabilities that make the combination a win for our customers,” said Behnken. “It truly enhances our ability to provide higher levels of innovation to meet the ever-evolving opportunities in premium pet nutrition.”
“CJF is thrilled to be moving forward with ANI to strengthen our customer value proposition with a continued singular focus on innovation and food safety, leading the industry with on-trend products,” said McLain.
C.J. Foods is a portfolio company of J. H. Whitney Capital Partners, a Connecticut based private equity firm that has owned C.J. Foods since 2014 and acquired Lortscher’s Animal Nutrition (LANI) in 2018.