CHICAGO, LOS ANGELES and LONDON — Chicago-based private equity Wind Point Partners announced its acquisition of Assisi Pet Care Group Limited on Oct. 12. The private equity partnered with Assisi’s management team led by Peter Mangion, founder and chief executive officer, and Harwood Private Equity.

Founded in 2020, Assisi serves as a platform to acquire, integrate and help grow leading pet food and treat companies throughout the European Union. The group is headquartered in Melton Mowbray, United Kingdom, with products sold in the United Kingdom and throughout Europe. Assisi operates two natural pet treat manufacturing facilities in Poland. According to Wind Point, Assisi is a key partner with a presence in the grocery, e-commerce and pet specialty channels, offering a variety of branded and private-label products.

Since its beginnings, Assisi has witnessed significant growth, completing four acquisitions including that of Polish dog treat producer Maced Sp.Z.o.o and UK-based Pet Munchies Holdings Ltd.

“Assisi has been on a tremendous journey since its inception in 2020, which is a testament to the strength and quality of our people, our customer and supplier relationships and the rich heritage of our brands and products,” Mangion said. “Wind Point and I have worked closely together for numerous years. Our shared focus on investing in our people and expanding our capabilities makes them the ideal partner for Assisi.”

Prior to founding Assisi, Manigon served as chief executive officer of Wind Point’s investment company in the pest control industry. This acquisition represents Manigon and Wind Point’s second partnership.

“Assisi is a rapidly growing platform with significant opportunity in the dynamic European pet care industry,” said Adam Jump, vice president at Wind Point. “Peter and the Assisi management team have built an outstanding business that sits at an exciting inflection point. We look forward to supporting the Assisi team as they continue to build a differentiated pet foods and treats platform.”

Wind Point is an investor in the pet and animal nutrition industries. Current and past investments for the company include Targeted PetCare, FoodScience, Petmate and Pestell Nutrition.

“Assisi operates in attractive markets and is well-positioned through its focus on premium and natural pet foods and treats,” said Paul Peterson, managing director at Wind Point. “Wind Point’s long-term experience in pet positions us well to support Peter and the team in the company’s next phase of growth.”

To support the acquisition, Wind Point received financing from alternative credit investment firm Crescent Capital Group LP through its European Specialty Lending strategy.

“We are proud to have been the financing partner for Assisi Pet Care and its sponsor Harwood as the company grew to become a leading manufacturer of natural pet food and treats in the United Kingdom and the European Union,” said Christine Vanden Beukel, managing director and head of Crescent’s European Specialty Lending strategy. “We appreciate being able to continue our financing partnership as Assisi enters its next phase of growth with Wind Point, and we believe the company is strongly positioned in the attractive, fast-growing natural treats and natural pet food segment.”

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