International private equity firm Cinven today announces that it has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in Arcaplanet, a leading operator of pet care stores in Italy.
Following the completion of this transaction, Cinven and the Fressnapf Group will combine Arcaplanet with Maxi Zoo to create the Arcaplanet Group.
Headquartered in Italy, Maxi Zoo Italia was founded in 2005. As part of the Fressnapf Group its first store opened in Treviso, Veneto region, in 2005 and Maxi Zoo is now present in 12 regions across Italy with 144 stores, an online presence and revenue of over 193 million euros in 2021.
Headquartered in Italy, Arcaplanet was founded in 1995. Its first store opened in Chiavari, Liguria, in 1998 and Arcaplanet is now present in 17 regions across Italy with nearly 400 stores, a strong online presence and revenue of over 400 million euros in 2021.
The combined Arcaplanet and Maxi Zoo Italia businesses (together the ‘Group’) will be offering food and non-food pet care products in c. 500 stores across Italy and online.
Cinven was attracted by the opportunity as Arcaplanet is a strong and well-recognised pet care brand with an excellent customer proposition. Cinven aims to accelerate the Group’s growth both in the Italian market and new geographies. Online penetration of pet care in Italy is fast-growing and there is considerable potential to accelerate and improve the Group’s digital and omnichannel strategy.
Cinven has significant expertise in the pet care market through the Cinven funds’ investment in Partner in Pet Food, a leading European pet food platform and market consolidator.