Contributors
Bond Dickinson LLP has advised Piper, the UK’s leading specialist investor in consumer brands, on its investment into Pet Food UK, the company behind the Barking Heads, Meowing Heads and AATU brands.
The Bond Dickinson team, led by Bristol Corporate Finance Partner Simon Hewes, Bristol Solicitor Sammy Hill and London-based Managing Associate Leon Miller advised on all stages of the transaction.
Piper's £5m investment strengthens its presence in the natural pet food sector and marks the final investment from Piper’s £107m, fifth fund. The Pet Food UK brands have revenues exceeding £10m and the investment, combined with Piper's deep knowledge and understanding of the sector, will mean that the business can continue to grow and prosper.
Simon Hewes, Partner, said: "We are delighted to have advised our longstanding client Piper on this latest investment, which will support Pet Food UK's ambitions for growth in the UK and internationally. Our work advising the client strengthens our corporate and commercial law credentials as well as our sector expertise in consumer brands."
Rory Gibbs, Investment Director at Piper, added: “The Bond Dickinson team were instrumental in getting the deal over the line. They offered commercial advice and their specialisms were extremely useful during the due diligence process. Thanks for all of your hard work.
"The £250m natural pet food market continues to be an area of high growth as consumers are increasingly and justifiably concerned about what they are feeding their pets. Backing the team behind Barking Heads, one of the leading premium natural dry pet food brands, complements our investment in Forthglade which is focused on the premium natural wet food sector. Both investments demonstrate our commitment to finding market leading brands in sectors we believe have significant growth potential. The two businesses will continue to be run independently."
Bond Dickinson provides legal advice across a range of sectors, including retail, energy, manufacturing, financial services, insurance, transport, real estate and private wealth. The firm employs more than 1,200 people across its seven UK offices, including London, Bristol, Southampton, Plymouth, Leeds, Newcastle and Aberdeen and is opening an Edinburgh office later this year.
