EBOS Group acquires Masterpet

EBOS Group Ltd, the publicly listed healthcare marketer, wholesaler and logistics provider, has acquired the privately owned Masterpet Group of Companies for approximately NZ $105 million (€65 million - $86 million) plus Masterpet debt. Agreement has been reached with Wellington©\based Masterpet to acquire the shares, wholly©\owned brands and trading interests of the group in New Zealand and Australia.

"EBOS Group has been searching for a complementary acquisition and after thorough consideration of Masterpet's performance and market position, we believe this to be a significant growth opportunity, "said Mr Rick Christie, chairman of EBOS Group Ltd.

Masterpet is recognised as the innovative market leader of branded animal healthcare, pet accessories, and premium foods throughout Australasia and is well known to consumers with sales to veterinary clinics, pet specialty stores and grocery markets. Masterpet represents the market leading Proctor & Gamble pet care brands, Eukanuba and IAMS, in a brand portfolio of nutritional products for animal health and wellbeing. Masterpet also owns several house brands including the market leading Vitapet brand in grocery.

EBOS will continue to operate Masterpet as a dedicated business under its own name with all executives and staff continuing within the enlarged group. As part of the transaction, EBOS will also acquire a 50% interest in the Animates retail business. Animates is New Zealand's leading specialty retailer of animal healthcare products with a retail chain of twenty stores.