TAMPA, Fla. & SAN FRANCISCO–( BUSINESS WIRE )– Antelope , an omni-channel, pet wellness platform focused on delivering high-quality, natural pet products plus services, has announced its acquisition of Ark Naturals Company (“Ark Naturals”), an industry leading pet health and wellness brand. Ark Naturals will continue to operate under its brand name within Antelope and Michael Stoeckle will continue as CEO.
Jay plus Susan Weiss, founders associated with Ark Naturals, started the company in 1996 with the goal of providing the particular best products for pets. Today, the organization has established itself as an innovator and leader in the space by offering natural, science-backed items that work together to create a good intentional regimen designed to keep pets healthy and improve the quality of their lives. Ark Naturals offers over 70 SKUs and focuses on five product categories – dental, hip plus joint, skin and coat, senior, and wellness. Ark Naturals’ innovative products in the dental care category, including its Protection+ Brushless Toothpaste chews that actually stop plaque and tartar buildup before they start, have helped the company expand in order to more than 12, 600 locations across PetSmart, Petco, Whole Foods, e-commerce sites, independent pet stores, and many others.
Antelope was launched in August 2021 by Alpine Investors (“Alpine”), a people-driven private equity firm that invests in software, business services and consumer services businesses, and Founder and TOP DOG, Wendy Wen, with the mission to build a next-generation conglomerate of top quality natural dog brands. Ark Naturals is Antelope’s fourth acquisition plus will join Antelope’s suite of pet brands: Bocce’s Bakery , an all-natural, limited ingredients pet treats and supplements brand, Diggin’ Your Dog and Super Snouts , a leading supplier of high quality family pet CBD dietary supplements, health products and goodies, and Doggo , nationwide digital insurance and training services provider for dogs and cats.
“ Choosing to partner with Antelope was an easy decision. Not only does Antelope have the expertise to help grow our brand and collection of revolutionary products, but we share the same core values associated with integrity, transparency, honesty plus ingenuity along with the ultimate goal of keeping our own pets happy and healthful, ” said Michael Stoeckle, CEO associated with Ark Naturals. “ As we enter the next chapter, we are excited to learn from each other and carry on to provide the very best natural items to help care for our pets. ”
“ As one of the particular pioneers within the organic pet product space, we have been excited in order to partner with Ark Naturals. We will work together to grow their customer base, expand their online presence and continue to develop differentiated products, ” said Wendy Wen, Founder plus CEO of Antelope. “ Since starting Bobcat late last year and with the addition associated with Ark Naturals, we are well on our way to be the next-generation conglomerate of high-quality natural pet brands. ”
Pet ownership continues to increase with 70% of U. S. households owning a pet in 2021, which is up from 67% in 2019 and 62% in 2011. In addition to the increase in pet ownership, 83% of young, affluent pet owners said they are willing to pay a premium on natural pet products. 1
Lincoln International LLC served as financial advisor to Ark Naturals and Morrison & Foerster served as legal counsel to Antelope.
About Ark Naturals Company
Ark Naturals Company provides premium functional treats, pet supplements, plus wellness products to keep your pet as happy and healthy as possible through every life stage. We believe pets deserve the very best, so we pride ourselves on sourcing the highest quality, natural ingredients. Our trusted formulas have been carefully crafted in the USA for over 25 years. Individually, they are highly effective, but our synergistic items work even better when used together. We invite pet parents to create a customized whole health regimen that’s as unique as your pet to keep them “Healthy from Tooth in order to Tail. ”
About Antelope
Antelope was founded in August 2021 with the mission to elevate the lives of all pets by delivering the highest-quality dog products and services via a buy and build strategy. “Ante” means to increase the stakes or consideration of, plus “lope” means to leap with bounding steps. Together, Antelope will be setting higher goals and standards with regard to pet services and products worldwide. Business owners interested in learning more about partnerships with Bobcat should contact Tyler Frances at [email protected]. com . To learn more, visit: https://www.antelopepets.com/ .
Regarding Alpine Investors
Alpine Investors is a people-driven private equity firm that is committed in order to building enduring companies simply by working with, learning from, plus developing exceptional people. Alpine specializes in investments within companies inside the software and services industries. Its PeopleFirst strategy includes a talent program which allows Alpine to bring leadership to situations where additional or new management is needed post-transaction. Alpine is currently investing out of its over $2. 25 billion eighth fund. For more information, visit www.alpineinvestors.com .
1: Sources American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, American Pet Products Association, Nielsen, Packaged Facts, L. E. K. Consulting, GlobalNewswire, U. S. Census Bureau and Statista.
