maconda supports mid-sized investment firm BPE in the acquisition of a manufacturer of high-quality pet food for dogs and cats
maconda News July 2015
Extensive experience in trade, food production, and – related to that – pet food, as well as a long-standing reputation for conducting Commercial Due Diligence in niche markets, were the necessary ingredients for a renewed engagement from the long-established Hamburg investor BPE Unternehmensbeteiligungen for the maconda team. The focus was on the acquisition of Seitz GmbH from Langwedel near Bremen by BPE and two managers with industry experience.
Seitz is a leading manufacturer of premium dog and cat food. Canned wet food is the core competence of the manufacturer from the pet food hotspot around Verden an der Aller, south of Bremen. In addition, BARF products and snack variations are produced and sold under the “Seitz Heimtiernahrung” brand. Customers primarily include German premium brands that distribute their products directly through veterinarians and specialist retailers.
The previously family-run company develops its own recipes and sources high-quality, fresh offal, meat products, and ingredients. In an efficient manufacturing process, over 300 product variations are processed, hermetically sealed, sterilized, labeled, and packaged.
Key aspects of the Commercial Due Diligence included a detailed analysis of the specific niche market, an assessment of current developments (e.g., trendy BARF products for natural pet nutrition), and Seitz’s positioning within the competitive landscape. For this purpose, a detailed market model was developed that considered almost all private label manufacturers of dog and cat food producing in Germany. This market model was validated through numerous targeted expert interviews.
Thanks to existing expertise in the pet food market from various engagements – strategy projects, market analysis, and due diligences – as well as extensive experience in supporting corporate transactions, the maconda team quickly became familiar with the subject.
We would be pleased to assist you as a competent and trustworthy partner. We have many years of experience in Commercial Due Diligence and value enhancement projects, business development, international expansion, and restructuring, particularly in projects within the food or consumer goods industry.
Please contact us anytime if you require our expertise. We are happy to support you!