CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND — KKR, a global investment company, has acquired Natural Pet Food Group, a premium pet food manufacturer based in New Zealand.

KKR will support international growth for Natural Pet Food Group, whose mission is to provide safe pet food with sustainably sourced animal proteins.

“My team is excited about the opportunities and connections that KKR can provide,” said Neil Hinton, chief executive officer of Natural Pet Food Group. “Our business is about providing pet owners with the very best in natural, high-meat nutrition for the four-legged members of their families. KKR has an impeccable pedigree in our sector which will help us grow, develop new products and take our brands to new customers and new markets, all over the world.

Natural Pet Food Group produces three brands of wet and dry food and treats: K9 Natural, Feline Natural, and Meat Mates. All products are grain-, gluten- and GMO-free, formulated by the company’s in-house nutritional team.

The company sources 100% of its ingredients and produces its products locally in New Zealand. Proteins featured in Natural Pet Food Group’s formulas include grass-fed and free-range meat, cage-free chicken and sustainable seafoods.

“It’s a great result not only for our company but also our supply partners, farmers and seafood suppliers from all over New Zealand and our manufacturing partners in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne,” Hinton continued. “…KKR’s investment marks the next phase of our evolution and their support is a strong endorsement of the outlook for our business.”

Hinton also recognized Natural Pet Food Group’s shareholders, naming Pioneer Capital in particular, for supporting the company since its inception in 2006.

“Natural Pet Food Group is a pioneer in New Zealand’s sustainable pet food industry, with a strongly defined mission and set of values,” added Michael Robson, managing director of KKR Capstone. “We could not be more excited to work with Neil and his talented team to support the company’s operations by leveraging KKR’s experience, network and expertise to strengthen Natural Pet Food Group’s leadership in key markets and create opportunities in new ones.

“This investment also reflects KKR’s commitment to supporting fast-growing companies in New Zealand that are seeking opportunities to expand into new sectors, verticals, and markets,” Robson said.

Robson has joined Natural Pet Food Group’s board of directors following the acquisition.

The acquisition and subsequent investments in Natural Pet Food Group will be funded by KKR Asian Fund IV, a division of KKR. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Natural Pet Food Group currently distributes product in New Zealand, Australia, China, Japan, the United States and Canada.

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