Inspired Pet Nutrition acquires Butcher’s Pet Care

Authur van Benthem, former chief executive of Dunlop Protective Footwear, has been appointed CEO of the enlarged group. He boasts an impressive career within the fast-moving consumer goods industry, having held senior positions within the likes of Unilever, Coca-Cola and Royal FrieslandCampina.

Commenting on the acquisition, van Benthem said: “Butcher’s brand portfolio and business is highly complementary to IPN and consistent with our vision and strategy to expand the business and create a portfolio of natural, wet and dry pet food brands with superior nutrition, which is affordable and accessible to all pet owners. ​

“Strategically, it also provides us with an established platform and opportunity to expand our presence in the growing European pet food market. On completion of the transaction, we look forward to welcoming our new Butcher’s colleagues into the IPN family and working with them to realise our joint growth ambitions for the future.”  ​

Butcher’s Pet Care

Founded in 1983, BPC is one of the UK’s leading wet pet food manufacturers, providing wet dog and cat food products under three brands: Butcher’s dog food, Blink! and Classic. The company also manufactures own-label pet food for a range of customers, including multiples and specialist pet shops.

The producer operates a ‘well-invested’ 385,000 sq ft manufacturing and distribution facility located in Crick, Northamptonshire. 

Tim Watsham, chief executive of Butcher’s Pet Care, commented: “Joining forces with IPN and CapVest is a fantastic opportunity for Butcher’s. Together, we share a passion for providing the best nutrition for pets and a commitment to excellence. We look forward to leveraging IPN and CapVest’s resources and expertise to pursue our growth ambitions and continue delivering high-quality products to our customers.”​

IPN was acquired by international investment firm CapVest in 2020. This latest acquisition followed the manufacturer’s purchase of Pet Food UK in 2021, along with its branded premium dog and cat pet food brands ‘Barking Heads’ and ‘Meowing Heads’.

Scale and presence

Kate Briant, Senior Partner at CapVest, said: “Butcher’s is a great addition to the IPN platform, creating a business of greater scale and presence across a range of categories, channels and customer segments. ​

“It also creates a solid platform to pursue further organic and acquisition-led growth with a particular focus on Europe and we are delighted to have a CEO of Arthur van Benthem’s calibre ready to lead this plan with his extensive brand, financial, strategy and leadership experience. ​

“This deal is a great example of CapVest’s passion for building strong, differentiated global companies through significant investment in people, technology, innovation, and capabilities. We look forward to continuing to work with the team to position the business for a multitude of growth opportunities in the future.”​

Inspired’s acquisition of BPC is expected to complete by the fourth quarter of 2024.

Meanwhile, UK plant-based manufacturer The Tofoo Co has been acquired by German investor Comitis Capital.​​