PAWTUCKET, RI – Pet Food Experts, a distributor of pet food and supplies, is acquiring California-based United Pacific Pet, a regional distributor of pet food and animal care products in the West.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Pet Food Experts’ President and CEO Michael Baker said, “Today’s announcement is a fitting tribute to Maureen Costello and Jim Butler’s exceptional leadership and legacy at UPP.
“This will be a monumental acquisition for PFX as it will significantly increase our overall scale and footprint in the West region. We’re looking forward to bolstering the existing vendor portfolio and providing partners with sustainable growth as we have for generations.”
Costello, president and CEO of United Pacific Pet, said, “Jim and I are very pleased to be joining the PFX family. Having known the Baker family for over 30 years, Pet Food Experts is a company that shares our history, culture, systems, and commitment to the success of the independent retailer.
“Michael is a trusted business partner and we have complete confidence that together, we will be better positioned to meet the fast-changing needs of our customers, vendors, and employees. We look forward to a smooth transition and significant growth ahead.”
Founded in 1918 in Colton, CA, United Pacific Pet serves approximately 1,500 independent pet retailers and pet professionals throughout California, Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii. The company has 115 employees.
Marking its largest transaction to date, the acquisition will advance Pet Food Experts’ position as a leading distributor of pet food and supplies in the U.S. servicing over 6,000 independent retailers from it’s six distribution centers across 38 states. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.