BERN, KAN. — C.J. Foods, Inc. on March 18 completed its acquisition of American Nutrition, Inc. (ANI), creating a company with the combined capacity to produce an estimated one billion lbs of pet food annually.

“Completing this transaction in a time of uncertainty speaks to the strength of the industry as well as these two world-class manufacturers,” said David McLain, chief executive officer of C.J. Foods. “The combined organization will deliver an unparalleled national footprint and broad product portfolio with a focus on delivering products of the future through innovation and category leadership.”

C.J. Foods first announced its intention to purchase ANI in February. The two co-manufacturers hope to be leaders in product innovation and pet food and treat production in the US.

Founded 35 years ago, C.J. Foods is a portfolio company of J.H. Whitney Capital Partners, a Connecticut-based private equity firm. J.H. Whitney has owned C.J. Foods since 2014. Its portfolio also includes Lortscher Animal Nutrition, Inc., a leader of custom milling and ingredient supply to the pet food industry for over sixty years, which it acquired in April 2018.

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