Funds advised by Apax (the “Apax Funds”) have reached an agreement with high-growth pet food brand Nulo to buy out its existing investor group – which includes CAVU Venture Partners and Main Post Partners. The transaction is expected to complete in early June 2021. Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
Established in 2010 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, Nulo is one of the fastest growing major pet food brands in the US pet specialty channel. The company’s diversified portfolio of products spans both dog and cat foods and formats across kibble, wet food, freeze-dried raw, treats, and toppers. Nulo’s ultra-premium products are higher in animal-based protein and lower in carbohydrates derived from high quality, functional ingredients. Products are sold in over five thousand retail locations across North America as well as on e-Commerce channels.
The Apax Funds, in partnership with Nulo’s current management team, will look to accelerate the Company’s already impressive growth rate – while preserving the Company’s unique product and channel strategy. Collectively, they will focus on a number of key value drivers such as expanding the Company’s digital marketing operations and building out its international footprint, in order to cement Nulo’s position as a clear leader in the premium pet food market.
Michael Landa, CEO at Nulo, says: “We’re excited to partner with the Apax Funds, who have the experience and know-how to help us in our next phase of growth. Since its retail launch in 2011, Nulo has rapidly grown into one of the most authentic and differentiated consumer brands in the premium pet food space. With the support of the Apax Funds, we believe we can achieve our ambitious growth plans, offering our innovative food products to more pet-parents, in more locations around the world.”
Nick Hartman, Partner at Apax, says: “Nulo is a true pioneer when it comes to delivering high-quality, nutritious pet foods and we have long been impressed by the company’s exceptional product offering, which we believe is unrivalled in the market. The company boasts a leading position in an attractive sector, and we look forward to working closely with Michael and the Nulo team, leveraging the Apax Funds’ deep operational experience, to further unlock the company’s vast potential.”
