Pet Food Experts to acquire California-based United Pacific Pet

Pet Food Experts (PFX), an American pet food and supplies distributor, has agreed to acquire the operating assets of California-based United Pacific Pet (UPP) in what is the former’s largest deal so far.

The company being acquired distributes pet food and animal care products in the Western US.

Michael Baker — Pet Food Experts President and CEO said that the “Announcement is a fitting tribute to Maureen Costello and Jim Butler’s exceptional leadership and legacy at UPP.

“This will be a monumental acquisition for PFX as it will significantly increase our overall scale and footprint in the West region. We’re looking forward to bolstering the existing vendor portfolio and providing partners with sustainable growth as we have for generations.”

United Pacific Pet, which was established in 1918 in Colton, California, is currently distributing a range of pet foods and pet supplies to nearly 1,500 independent pet retailers and pet professionals across California, Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii.

The regional pet food distributor has a workforce of 115 and is said to have a huge fleet of delivery trucks. The company has a 154,000sft warehouse in Southern California.

Maureen Costello — President and CEO of United Pacific Pet said: “Having known the Baker family for over 30 years, Pet Food Experts is a company that shares our history, culture, systems and commitment to the success of the independent retailer,” continued Costello. “Michael is a trusted business partner and we have complete confidence that together, we will be better positioned to meet the fast-changing needs of our customers, vendors, and employees.”

Pet Food Experts said that the acquisition consolidates its position as a major distributor of pet food and supplies in the US. The company currently serves more than 6,000 independent retailers from its half a dozen distribution centers across 38 states.