Musti acquires ICA’s Gaston pet retail concept

The Finnish Musti Group is pressing ahead with its expansion into the Swedish market. Through its subsidiary Arken Zoo, Sweden’s largest specialist pet shop chain, the pet specialist is acquiring the ‘Gaston’ retail concept from the Swedish ICA Group. The acquisition comprises three high-street branches in Uppsala, Västerås and Norrköping, as well as the associated online shop (hejgaston.se). The change of ownership is expected to be finalised in mid-August 2026.

ICA had launched the Gaston concept in October 2024 as a pilot project to test specialised retail formats for pet owners. Following a strategic review, the food retailer decided against continuing the concept under its own management. However, the pet segment remains a core area for ICA via existing channels – such as pet food in food retail, pet insurance (ICA Insurance) and veterinary products via the group’s own pharmacy chain Apotek Hjärtat.

Arken Zoo already operates seven of its own branches at the three locations in question and is strengthening its local network through this acquisition. The acquired locations and the e-commerce channel will continue to operate under the Arken Zoo brand in future. Both companies are working to ensure a seamless transition for customers and staff.

In parallel with the transaction, Musti and ICA have begun discussions regarding a long-term strategic partnership. The aim is to jointly develop the range of products and services on offer to pet owners. Specifically, the partners are exploring the possibility of establishing further Arken Zoo branches in the immediate vicinity of ICA stores, in order to benefit from combined locations and footfall synergies.