(PRESS RELEASE) GRAND PRAIRIE, TX – PDPP Holdings, LLC (“Prairie Dog Pet Products” or “Prairie Dog”), a portfolio Company of Kinderhook Industries, LLC (“Kinderhook”), announces its acquisition of Himalayan Corporation (“Himalayan” or the “Company”). The Company represents Kinderhook’s 206th add-on acquisition since inception. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 2008, Himalayan produces premium, hard cheese dog chews. The Company pioneered the product category and is the leading brand within the space today. Led by CEO Suman Shrestha, a product innovator with a deep history in the pet space, Himalayan has applied its zero-waste management approach to launch almost thirty unique product lines focused on organic, preservative-free chews that can be safely enjoyed by all types of dogs. The Company has a diverse, blue-chip customer base consisting of top pet retailers and distributes its products through multiple channels, including pet specialty, e-commerce, mass market, wholesale, and grocery.
“We are excited to welcome the Himalayan team to the Prairie Dog family,” said Tom Tuttle, Managing Director at Kinderhook. “The Company represents a premium brand, built by a talented entrepreneur, leading a strong team. Their knowledge of customized manufacturing processes and key international supply relationships will be beneficial across all of our brands.”
“The Himalayan products and story have resonated deeply with pet owners, creating a rare loyalty within the category leading to quick acceptance of new products by consumers and retailers alike. The people and products of Himalayan and Prairie Dog are an exceptionally well-suited match and we feel proud that Suman chose Prairie Dog as their partner to continue their highly purpose-driven journey” said Ted Mischaikov, Executive Chairman of Prairie Dog.
“I am excited to partner with the Prairie Dog team and lift Himalayan into its next stage of product expansion and growth. The management expertise and exceptional salesforce that Prairie Dog has will serve as important resources for Himalayan as we work through a strong backlog, ever increasing demand and transition into our new facilities. We expect our momentum over the next five years to exceed expectations by now being in partnership with Prairie Dog.” said Suman Shrestha, CEO of Himalayan.
Financing for the transaction was provided by Comerica Bank. Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to Kinderhook.