VMG Partners Exits Natural Balance Pet Foods
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VMG Partners Exits Natural Balance Pet Foods

Del Monte Foods, a portfolio company of KKR, has acquired Natural Balance Pet Foods, a portfolio company of VMG Partners. This transaction marks VMG’s second transaction in the pet food sector. The firm sold Waggin’ Train to Purina, a unit of Nestlé, in 2010.

Natural Balance Pet Foods is a maker of super-premium pet food – including wet food, dry food and treats – for dogs and cats sold throughout North America and also in Europe and Asia. The company was founded in 1989 by actor Dick Van Patten and Joey Herrick and is based in Pacoima, CA (www.naturalbalanceinc.com).

“We are very proud to have worked side by side with Joey and the Natural Balance team in building one of the strongest brands in the pet specialty channel. We are excited about passing the baton to Del Monte Foods, who we believe will continue to grow and strengthen the Natural Balance brand,” said David Baram, VMG Managing Director.

VMG Partners invests in branded consumer products companies in the lower middle market. Targeted industries include food, beverage, wellness, pet and household products, personal care and lifestyle brands. The firm is has offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles (www.vmgpartners.com).

“Natural Balance was created nearly 25 years ago to give pet parents the best super-premium pet food on the market,” said Joey Herrick, president and founder, Natural Balance Pet Foods. “After careful consideration, we believe we’ve found the perfect partner to help the business grow for the next 25 years.”

Del Monte Foods was acquired by KKR in 2011 and is one of the country’s largest producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality, branded pet products and food products for the U.S. retail market, generating approximately $3.7 billion in net sales in fiscal 2012. The company is headquartered in San Francisco (www.DelMonte.com).

KKR makes private equity, fixed income and other investments in companies in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The firm has $66 billion in assets under management. In addition to its New York headquarters the firm has offices in Menlo Park, San Francisco, Houston, Washington DC, London, Paris, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Beijing, Mumbai, Dubai and Sydney (www.kkr.com).

© 2013 PEPD • Private Equity’s Leading News Magazine • 5-23-13

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