Management Due Diligence specialists, The Quinn Partnership has advised ECI Partners on it’s acquisition of a majority stake in MPM, the leading premium pet food company, in order to help finance its continuing international expansion.

Macclesfield-based MPM produces high-quality, natural pet foods for discerning cat and dog owners. Within the global pet food market, estimated to be worth £50 billion, the premium niche has been taking market share, helping to drive market value growth in an otherwise low growth category.

The Company’s products serve the premium natural pet food niche, with its Applaws and Encore brands widely available in both grocery, and specialist stores across the UK and internationally. MPM has a strong and growing international business, selling its products in over 33 countries. Less than 40% of revenues are generated in the UK, with 17% derived from the EMEA region, and 12% from Australia and New Zealand. MPM is also growing strongly in the US pet food market, the world’s biggest. Online sales account for 20% of revenues and are growing very strongly.

The MPM management team, headed by CEO Julian Bambridge and CFO James Bracewell, will continue to lead the business, in partnership with ECI. The combination of a differentiated premium product, international growth strategy, and strong ecommerce capabilities makes MPM uniquely positioned to be the pet food brand partner of choice for specialist stores and grocery retailers around the world.

Mark Keeley, Partner at ECI said: “As a growth focused investor we are always seeking out market leading, well run growth companies to partner with. MPM is a leading pet food company focused on the attractive and high growth premium pet food market. Pet owners are increasingly concerned about the health and well-being of their cats and dogs and are looking for wholesome, natural, high-quality products. That’s why we believe MPM is very well placed for further growth.We very much look forward to working with MPM’s experienced team to help realise the company’s full potential.”

Julian Bambridge, CEO of MPM, said: “We pride ourselves on developing high-quality and innovative products for cats and dogs. Our recipes, with high quality recognisable ingredients, reflect our passion in challenging the additive-filled products that some multinational brands offer to consumers. We are very excited about partnering with ECI as we embark on the next stage of our journey.”

Mike Stiles, Director at The Quinn Partnership, said “MPM is a market leader in the premium pet food market. In partnership with ECI, they looked well placed for further growth given their passion for product, international growth strategy and experienced team”.

To contact us regarding Management Due Diligence or any other service please email enquiries@thequinnpartnership.co.uk