Kennelpak

THE OPPORTUNITY

Kennelpak was a wholesale supplier and retailer of own brand and third party branded pet food and associated pet products. The business’ retail division operates under the “Pets and friends” brand.  The business is headquartered in Nottingham, England, and employees 301 permanent and temporary staff.  In the year ended March 2017 the business was profitable from sales of over £23 million. 

Established in 1974, Kennelpak retails a selection of pet food, pet accessories and toys amongst other products for dogs, cats, birds, aquatics, reptiles, horses and home farming.  Additional services also include grooming, local training, nutritional advice and licensed medication.  Having initially started out as a wholesaler of its own brand and third party pet food brands, Kennelpak identified a niche for specialist pet food outlets to supply the public with bulk pet food and pet related items.  UK based, the company now has 19 retail stores (primarily around The Midlands) and an established e-commerce offering.

THE IMPACT SO FAR

Kennelpak is a business that has been revitalised over our period of ownership to date through modernising all areas of the business making it a platform for growth we are proud of. 

After investing in a high quality management team, we have worked with them methodically to overhaul the business at every level keeping their customer at front of mind.

We have invested in our Pets and Friends retail business, both through investment in our store estate and IT systems.  Recently we opened the first new Pets and Friends store in over 10 years and we see opportunity to expand further.  This expansion goes hand in hand with our investment in our e-commerce solutions making Pets and Friends a true omnichannel business.

Pets and Friends sells a comprehensive range of quality pet food, treats, healthcare products and accessories alongside an array of pet care services, from grooming and wellbeing treatments to dog training, personalised nutritional planning, weight management, harness fitting, specialist pet parent support and expert pet care advice supporting Pet Parents every step of the way.  

The heritage of the business sits within its Wholesale and Distribution division.  The DNA of the business which was established in 1974 allows us to be genuine experts in the Pet Sector offering support and advice to independent pet retailers as well as the biggest names in the sector.

Our stable of pet food brands stands the business apart from others and have launched new products and brands during our investment period.  The group owns market-leading brands such as Yakers, Collards, Duchess and Dylan within its portfolio, as well as sole distribution rights for award-winning international brands such as Wellness CORE, Whimzees and Taste of the Wild.

The business also has a manufacturing division which ensures secondary product does not end up in landfill but can be resold across our various routes to market.

The business is still headquartered in Nottingham, England and since acquisition revenues has grown to more than £33 million.