AlphaPet Ventures acquires Tierliebhaber

AlphaPet Ventures has acquired Tierliebhaber. The acquisition is already AlphaPet’s sixth takeover since 2020 – and the second in the first quarter of 2026. ‘AlphaPet is continuing its successful buy-and-build strategy,’ the company reported on 1 April. Just four days ago, the Munich-based firm announced the acquisition of the Belgian premium brand Cpro Food.

AlphaPet is digitising the pet food market and successfully develops and distributes premium brands across Europe. AlphaPet’s multi-channel strategy combines a strong digital direct-to-consumer (D2C) business with a customer-centric approach through its own platforms and partnerships with leading retail partners in the B2B segment. Tierliebhaber was founded in Berlin in 2016 by Philipp Smakman and Josefine Schmidt. Katharina Smakman played a key role in building Tierliebhaber from the outset and took over as managing director in 2021. Together with her brother Philipp, she developed the brand into a leading name for dietary supplements and functional snacks for pets in Germany. The range includes natural products for digestion, tick protection, dental care, joint health and calming.

‘Tierliebhaber is a fantastic addition to our existing portfolio and significantly strengthens our presence in the fast-growing health and wellness segment,’ said Marco Hierling, founder and CEO of AlphaPet. ‘With Wolfsblut VetLine, we have already established a strong position in the veterinary feed sector – with Tierliebhaber, we are now adding a leading brand in the field of preventive care, which supports the daily health of pets with natural products.’

Founder Smakman emphasised: ‘We built Tierliebhaber on the belief that pets deserve the same quality of health products as their owners.’ AlphaPet shares this vision and brings the platform, reach and expertise to take Tierliebhaber to the next level. ‘With AlphaPet, we gain access to new channels, markets and capabilities – whilst preserving what makes Tierliebhaber unique,’ promised Philipp Smakman. The entire Tierliebhaber team will remain on board, according to the press release. Katharina and Philipp Smakman are set to drive future growth as managing directors.

The acquisition was financed through equity. Patria Investments acted as lead investor in the funding round, with a significant contribution from Venture Stars and the support of existing AlphaPet shareholders.

‘Tierliebhaber is a perfect example of the kind of company ‘we are looking for: a market leader in its category, with exceptional growth momentum and a strong management team’,’ explains Fritjof Franz, Managing Partner at Capiton, AlphaPet’s private equity partner. The addition of a dedicated brand for dietary supplements to AlphaPet’s platform creates significant strategic value and marks an important next step in expanding beyond traditional pet food.

The debt financing was provided by CVC and underscores its ongoing support for AlphaPet’s buy-and-build strategy. AlphaPet was advised by LutzAbel (Legal), Deloitte (Financial & Tax), A&O Shearman (Financing Legal) and Sonntag & Partner (Tax & Structure). Tierliebhaber was advised by ox8 Corporate Finance (Lead Advisor) and Görg (Legal).