Independence Pet Holdings closes acquisition of Pets Best Insurance

In a move that’s set to reshape the pet insurance industry, Independence Pet Holdings, Inc. (IPH), a trailblazer in multi-brand, multi-channel pet insurance, has officially sealed the deal on acquiring Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC from Synchrony, a leading light in consumer financial services. This transaction not only marks a significant milestone for both entities but also paves the way for an equity investment by Synchrony into IPH, coupled with a commercial agreement that promises to broaden IPH’s horizons in the pet industry. With a deal price positioning as a crucial factor, this partnership is poised to leverage synergies between Synchrony’s CareCredit health and wellness credit card and IPH’s innovative pet insurance offerings.

The acquisition is more than just a transaction; it’s a strategic partnership designed to unlock a wealth of opportunities in joint product development, key technology partnerships, and shared insights aimed at enhancing customer experience across the pet insurance and pet-care financing sectors. By welcoming two Synchrony executives to its Board of Directors, IPH is clearly committed to harnessing this collaboration to drive long-term growth and innovation in the pet insurance domain.

Beto Casellas, EVP and CEO of Health & Wellness at Synchrony, encapsulated the enthusiasm for this partnership, stating, “We are excited to partner with IPH to drive long-term growth and expand our opportunities in the pet space, including the ability to offer CareCredit to millions of additional pet owners.” This sentiment is echoed by Dirk Beeckman, Chairman of IPH, who highlighted the acquisition’s potential to offer pet parents an unprecedented range of pet insurance products, tailored to meet the unique needs of their pets.

The acquisition builds on an existing relationship between Pets Best and Independence American Insurance Company (IAIC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of IPH. This strategic move is aimed at bolstering IPH’s capacity to serve customers across the United States, diversifying its innovative pet insurance offerings, and reinforcing its market position. Pets Best, renowned for its robust growth and leading status in the U.S. pet insurance sector since its acquisition by Synchrony in 2019, is expected to thrive under IPH’s umbrella, continuing to operate under its established brand and leadership with expanded capabilities and a strengthened market presence.

This acquisition signifies a monumental step forward in the evolution of the pet insurance industry. By blending IPH’s diverse portfolio with Synchrony’s digital prowess, the partnership is poised to redefine industry standards, offering enhanced products and services that cater to the evolving needs of pet families. The synergistic relationship between CareCredit and IPH’s product lines is expected to create a new benchmark in pet care financing and insurance, potentially setting the stage for unprecedented growth and innovation in the sector.

In conclusion, the acquisition of Pets Best by Independence Pet Holdings marks a pivotal moment in the pet insurance industry, promising to deliver an expanded range of high-quality, innovative insurance products to pet owners across the United States. With both companies setting their sights on leveraging their combined expertise to fuel growth and innovation, the future of pet insurance looks brighter than ever.