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CMS advises Cinven on acquisition of leading European Pet Food manufacturer Partner in Pet Food

27 April 2018

International law firm CMS has advised global private equity firm Cinven on its acquisition of Partner in Pet Food (‘PPF’), a leading European pet food manufacturer, from Pamplona Capital Management.

Headquartered in Hungary, PPF is a market-leading pet food manufacturer with nine manufacturing operations across Europe. PPF supplies pet food to more than 250 customers in Europe, including traditional retailers, discounters, speciality pet retailers and online specialists. 

James Grimwood, CMS’ Head of Private Equity and Graham Conlon, Co-Head of International Private Equity, led a cross-border team of over 60 lawyers covering seven jurisdictions, and included Valentina Santambrogio, Jamie Burgess and Julian Goering.

The transaction follows Pamplona’s €315 million acquisition of Partner in Pet Food from Advent International in April 2015, for which CMS advised the seller.

Commenting on the transaction, James Grimwood said: “We are proud to advise Cinven on their first investment in the pet care market. The pet care market has been growing steadily over the years, and Cinven's expertise, network and innovation track record will no doubt help fuel PPF's future growth and success.”

Graham Conlon adds: “Having advised Advent International on the 2015 sale of Partner in Pet Food to Pamplona, we are privileged to have witnessed PPF’s transformation into a market-leading player. This was a complex matter signed within just 5 days, and covering over nine jurisdictions, for which CMS was able to use its extensive international platform to field a market-leading cross-border team.”