MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO — Dane Creek Capital Corp. announced Feb. 1 it has acquired a majority share (93%) of Wodema Industries Ltd., the Canadian manufacturer of two soft chew pet treat brands. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

The acquisition was made through United Raw Pet Foods Inc., Dane Creek Capital’s majority-owned subsidiary, and adds to the company’s expanding portfolio of raw pet food, pet retail and pet treat offerings. The transaction marks Dane Creek Capital and United Raw Pet Foods’ 19^th acquisition or investment in the pet market since October 2017.

Kelowna, British Columbia-based Wodema manufactures Kettle Craft and Jay’s brands of soft chews for dogs and cats. The Kettle Craft brand was founded in 1996 by Coleen and Wolf Thoma and has since grown into a trusted treat and soft chew brand across the United States and Canada, according to the company.

“I am delighted to be announcing the addition of Wodema to the United Raw family,” said Mark Warren, chairman and chief executive officer of Dane Creek. “Colleen and Wolf have worked tirelessly to create one of the most respected brands of treats and soft chews in Canada and, working with their team, we look forward to expanding the reach of the brand across our pet food and pet supplement operations.”

Kettle Craft soft chews are kettle-cooked in small batches using “traditional European cooking techniques,” according to Dane Creek Capital. Formulations include locally sourced, natural ingredients that are cooked low and slow before being cured. Kettle Craft treats are sold in the pet specialty retail channel across the United States and Canada, as well as online through Chewy.com.

“In looking for a buyer for our business, it was important that we find one committed to building on what we have achieved and is also committed to supporting the local community here in Kelowna,” said Colleen Thoma. “After 26 years in business, this is a very big step for us, but one that we are excited to be taking nonetheless. Mark and the rest of the Dane Creek team have made the transition very easy. They have exceeded our expectations. We have no doubt that Kettle Craft will continue to thrive and expand throughout North America. We look forward to seeing their new ideas for Kettle Craft come to fruition.”

Following the acquisition, Wodema will continue to produce Kettle Craft and Jay’s Soft & Chewy products in Kelowna, as well as other well-known brands, Dane Creek Capital stated.

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