Central Garden and Pet’s €400 million deal to acquire majority stake in Trixie signals deeper European expansion

Central Garden and Pet is set to acquire a majority stake in German pet supplies firm Trixie, marking its significant push into the European pet market with an €400 million deal that keeps Trixie’s current management intact.

Central Garden and Pet has agreed to buy a majority stake in Trixie Heimtierbedarf, the German pet supplies group, in a move that underscores the US company’s push deeper into Europe.

According to the companies, Trixie was founded in 1974 and is based in Tarp, Germany. It employs about 600 people and sells more than 6,000 products for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and small animals to over 30,000 pet retail stores internationally. Financial terms were not disclosed, although one industry report put the deal’s value at up to €400 million for roughly 80% of the business.

Central chief executive Niko Lahanas said the acquisition would bolster the group’s position in key European markets and add a platform with strong retail links and logistics capabilities. Trixie founder Bonnik Hansen said the deal was driven by shared values and a long-term outlook.

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of Central’s fiscal 2027, subject to regulatory approval and other customary conditions. Trixie’s management team, including Dirk Jessen, Burkhard Friedrichsen and Danny Bollerey, is set to remain in place, a sign that Central is seeking continuity as it integrates one of Europe’s better-known pet brands.

Image Source: Central Garden & Pet