Central Garden & Pet Goes Global with TRIXIE Acquisition

WALNUT CREEK, CA & TARP, GERMANY – July 27, 2026 – In a landmark move set to reshape the international pet supplies landscape, Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT, CENTA) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire a majority interest in TRIXIE Heimtierbedarf GmbH & Co. KG, Europe’s preeminent pet supplies and snacks company. The strategic acquisition unites two industry titans, creating a formidable global player poised for significant growth on both sides of the Atlantic.

This partnership represents a major step in Central's global expansion, providing the U.S.-based leader with an immediate and scaled platform in the robust European market. The transaction, valued at up to €400 million, will see Central acquire an approximate 80% stake in TRIXIE. The deal includes an upfront cash payment of roughly €340 million, with a potential additional earn-out of up to €60 million based on TRIXIE's performance. The acquisition is a cornerstone of Central's long-term 'Central to Home' strategy, which focuses on strengthening its portfolio of market-leading brands and expanding its geographic reach.

A Strategic Leap into Europe's Thriving Pet Market

The acquisition provides Central Garden & Pet with a powerful entry into Europe's approximately €10 billion pet supplies and snacks market, a sector projected to grow at a steady mid-single-digit rate. This growth is fueled by powerful, long-term consumer trends including the increasing humanization of pets, a heightened focus on pet health and wellness, and the rise of premium products. By integrating TRIXIE, Central dramatically expands its international footprint, with an estimated 10% of its total net sales now expected to be generated outside the United States.

Niko Lahanas, Chief Executive Officer of Central Garden & Pet, underscored the strategic importance of the deal. “The addition of TRIXIE strengthens Central’s position across key European pet supplies markets and adds a scaled platform with deep category expertise, strong retail relationships, and industry-leading logistics and fulfillment capabilities across the region,” he stated. “Bonnik Hansen and the TRIXIE team have built a remarkable company over the past 50 years. We are pleased that a very strong management team will continue leading the business, and we believe this partnership positions us well to drive long-term growth and better serve pet parents across Europe and the United States.”

The move gives the California-based company, known for iconic brands like Nylabone®, Kaytee®, and Aqueon®, a direct line to over 30,000 pet retail stores across Europe. This established network, combined with Central's own formidable scale and resources, creates a powerful synergy for future market consolidation in a region known for its fragmented pet specialty landscape.

The TRIXIE Legacy: 50 Years of European Leadership

Founded in 1974 by Bonnik Hansen in Tarp, Germany, TRIXIE has evolved from a small operation into an undisputed European market leader. With nearly 600 dedicated employees, the company has built its reputation on innovation, quality, and an unparalleled understanding of the needs of pets and their owners. TRIXIE’s vast portfolio includes more than 6,000 products for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and small animals, covering everything from accessories and toys to treats and travel solutions.

A key driver of TRIXIE’s success is its powerful own-brand strategy, which accounts for approximately 90% of its sales. This is supported by a prolific in-house design team that introduces around 500 new and innovative products each year, keeping the brand fresh and responsive to market trends. The company is also recognized for its industry-leading logistics and fulfillment capabilities, a critical asset for serving its extensive retail network efficiently.

Reflecting on the company's journey and future, founder Bonnik Hansen expressed his confidence in the new partnership. "Joining forces with Central Garden & Pet marks an important milestone in TRIXIE's 50-year history," said Hansen. "I am incredibly proud of what our employees, customers, and partners have built together. In looking for a partner, it was important to us to find a company that shares our values, our culture, and our long-term thinking. We are confident that Central is the right partner to build on our strong foundation and carry the company successfully through its next stage of growth."

A Partnership Built for Growth and Continuity

Central's integration strategy is rooted in collaboration and the preservation of what has made TRIXIE a success. A critical component of the agreement is the continuity of TRIXIE’s proven leadership. The management team, led by Dirk Jessen, Burkhard Friedrichsen, and Danny Bollerey, will remain in place. Furthermore, current shareholders Dirk Jessen and Volker Haak will retain a significant minority stake of approximately 20% in the company. Their continued investment and involvement underscore a deep, long-term confidence in the partnership’s future and ensure a stable transition for employees, customers, and suppliers.

Central plans to leverage its extensive scale, global sourcing capabilities, and product development expertise to support TRIXIE’s continued expansion. The goal is to enhance TRIXIE’s growth trajectory while carefully preserving the entrepreneurial culture, customer focus, and market agility that have defined the German company for half a century. This synergistic approach will enable the combined entity to accelerate growth by driving innovation and leveraging TRIXIE’s sophisticated logistics to serve a broader market more effectively.

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of Central’s fiscal year 2027, which runs from October 2026 to March 2027, and is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. This strategic alliance not only positions Central Garden & Pet as a dominant force in the global pet industry but also promises to bring new levels of innovation and service to millions of pet-loving households across the world.