What a long, strange year it’s been. 2020 included a pandemic, shutdowns and other unfortunate news. If you’re like us, you’ve tried to find joy where possible, but you’re looking forward to a much better 2021.
But before we ring in the New Year, we wanted to pause for a look back at the year’s biggest news. These are the 10 most-read PETS+ newsletter stories of 2020. Even more than COVID-19, mergers and acqusitions dominated headlines in the pet-business world.
Click through for the full articles. (Note that there may have been further news developments that aren’t reflected here.)
In January, Edgewell Personal Care Co. EPC has completed the sale of its infant and pet care business to Montreal-based Le Holding Angelcare Inc. for $122.5 million in cash.
A report in September indicated that a sale or public offering could be in the offing for Petco Animal Supplies Inc.
For our fourth annual PETS+ America’s Coolest Stores contest, we asked businesses from around the U.S. to tell us exactly what makes them so cool. We were floored by the response, especially with a deadline during the pandemic.
Freshpet Inc. in March revealed plans to build a $264 million build a new pet food manufacturing facility in Ennis, TX.
We learned in December of J.M. Smucker Co.’s plans to sell its Natural Balance pet food business to Nexus Capital Management LP in a deal valued at approximately $50 million.
News broke in December that the owner of Pet Supplies Plus was seeking to sell the retailer.
This February article detailed preparations for holding Global Pet Expo safely in Orlando, FL, at a time when concerns were mounting about COVID-19.
Phillips Pet Food & Supplies and Animal Supply Company in February announced plans to combine to “create a national leader in pet product distribution and services.”
In April, Petco announced employee furloughs and other workforce measures in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Following their merger, C.J. Foods Inc. and American Nutrition Inc. announced their new name: Alphia.