US-based Central Garden & Pet Company has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a majority interest in European pet accessories and snack supplier Trixie.
Central, based in Walnut Creek, California, owns a wide portfolio of brands in the pet care, gardening and pest control sectors, including aquatic, wild bird and small animal lines, plus dog and cat products such as Nylabone and Best Bully Sticks. The company has net annual sales of $3.1 billion and employs over 6,000 people, primarily in North America.
Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Tarp, Germany, Trixie employs nearly 600 people and serves over 30,000 pet retail stores internationally with an assortment of more than 6,000 products for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and small animals, including accessories, toys, treats, snacks, habitats, apparel, bedding, and travel solutions. Approximately 90% of sales are generated from the company’s own-brand portfolio.
The majority interest to be acquired by Central is owned by founder Bonnik Hansen and current shareholders Dirk Jessen and Volker Haak, and the transaction is expected to close in the first half of Central’s 2027 fiscal year, subject to regulatory approval. Management will continue to be led by Jessen, Burkhard Friedrichsen, and Danny Bollerey, supported by Haak as a consultant, and Jessen and Haak will remain minority shareholders.
The acquisition will add to Central’s portfolio of pet and garden brands and will signify a significant increase in its presence in Europe.
Niko Lahanas, chief executive officer of Central Garden & Pet, said: “The addition of Trixie strengthens Central’s position across key European pet supplies markets and adds a scaled platform with deep category expertise, strong retail relationships, and industry-leading logistics and fulfilment capabilities across the region.
“Bonnik Hansen and the team have built a remarkable company over the past 50 years. We are pleased that a very strong management team will continue leading the business, and we believe this partnership positions us well to drive long-term growth and better serve pet parents across Europe and the United States.”
Hansen added: “Joining forces with Central Garden & Pet marks an important milestone in Trixie’s 50-year history.
“I am incredibly proud of what our employees, customers, and partners have built together. In looking for a partner, it was important to us to find a company that shares our values, our culture, and our long-term thinking. We are confident that Central is the right partner to build on our strong foundation and carry the company successfully through its next stage of growth.”
