FORT WORTH, TEXAS — Pure Treats Inc., makers of pet food, treats and toppers brand PureBites, announced on Oct. 28 that it has agreed to acquire Bar W Foods & Eighteen Below Partners LLC (18 Below). The acquisition includes 18 Below’s human-grade meat processing and freeze-drying facility in Fort Worth.

According to the company, by integrating 18 Below’s expertise, PureBites will be able to expand its product line and capacity, meeting the growing demand of pet parents who are looking for raw, freeze-dried pet treats, food and toppers made with simple, high-quality ingredients.

“We’re ecstatic for the opportunities this acquisition brings our brands, our customers and our loyal pet parents,” said Marc Cathcart, president of PureBites. “18 Below operates a leading human grade kitchen that has been making raw freeze-dried treats, food and toppers for pets for the past 11 years. They are led by Paul Wehba and his passionate team who are obsessed with delivering the best quality meat and fish products to people and pets throughout North America.”

18 Below is a 2nd generation private USDA-inspected kitchen that has been making quality ground beef and hamburger patties for restaurants and grocery stores for the past 65 years.

“When we decided to get into the pet industry 11 years ago, our friends at PureBites were one of our first customers,” said Paul Wehba, owner and chief executive officer of 18 Below. “There are not many privately held leading pet food and treat companies left, and their obsession with using high-quality, human-grade ingredients in their minimally processed treats, food and toppers fit perfectly with our vision. We are so happy to be joining the PureBites family as our 80-member team will be transitioning from one 2nd generation private company to another.”

As part of the acquisition, Wehba will stay on to head the operations at the Fort Worth kitchen, as will his entire management team. 

“Paul and his team have built a great business,” Cathcart commented. “We will continue to service the great customer base Paul has created while ensuring that PureBites raw freeze-dried treats, food and toppers are made in our own human-grade kitchen and available to pet parents throughout North America and the world.”

Read more about corporate strategy, financial performance, mergers and acquisitions on our Business page.