Central Garden & Pet acquires Trixie

Trixie Heimtierbedarf GmbH & Co. KG, one of Europe’s leading suppliers of pet accessories and pet snacks, announced on 27 July that Central Garden & Pet Company will acquire a majority stake in Trixie. 'The transaction represents a significant milestone in Trixie’s history spanning more than 50 years and opens up new prospects for sustainable growth, innovation and international expansion,' the press release states. According to media reports, Central is paying a total of 400 million euros for the 80 per cent stake. According to the announcement, Trixie will continue to be managed independently and will carry on its successful course under the existing management team.

The partnership will reportedly give Trixie access to additional resources, international expertise and expanded opportunities in the areas of procurement, product development, logistics and market development. At the same time, the successful corporate culture that has characterised Trixie for decades will be preserved.

'The merger with Central Garden & Pet is a significant milestone in Trixie’s 50-year history,' says Bonnik Hansen, founder of Trixie. “I am extremely proud of what our employees, customers and business partners have built together. When searching for a partner, it was important to us to find a company that shares our values, our corporate culture and our long-term vision.” He is convinced that Central is exactly the right partner to build on this strong foundation and successfully shape the next stages of growth.

The statement goes on to say that Trixie’s proven management team will remain in place even after the transaction is completed. Dirk Jessen, Burkhard Friedrichsen and Danny Bollerey will continue to serve as managing directors. Furthermore, Dirk Jessen and Volker Haak will retain a stake in Trixie as minority shareholders. 'Their continued involvement underlines their long-term confidence in the company’s future and demonstrates continuity for employees, customers, retail partners and suppliers.'

Volker Haak will also continue to support Trixie in an advisory capacity, contributing his many years of experience to the further development of the company and its European market activities. Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Tarp, northern Germany, Trixie has developed into one of the leading companies in the European pet industry: The company employs around 600 staff, supplies more than 30,000 specialist retailers worldwide and offers a range of over 6,000 products for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and small animals. Around 90 per cent of turnover is generated by its own brands. Trixie develops around 500 new products every year.

'What particularly impressed us were the people who have built up this company over the past 50 years,' said Niko Lahanas, Chief Executive Officer of Central Garden & Pet. 'We are very much looking forward to welcoming the Trixie team into the Central family and shaping the future of the European pet market together.'

Subject to the usual regulatory approvals and other conditions precedent, Trixie Heimtierbedarf GmbH & Co. KG and Central Garden & Pet plan to complete the transaction in early 2027.

Central Garden & Pet Company is a leading consumer goods company in the pet care and gardening sectors, founded over 45 years ago. With net sales of US$3.1 billion in the 2025 financial year, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities, underpinned by a passionate, entrepreneurial culture of growth that embraces sustainability. Central is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, mainly in North America.