ST. LOUIS — Manna Pro announced June 4 it has opted to acquire Hero Pet Brands, a Dallas-based pet product and service company offering nutrition, grooming, waste pickup and cleanup solutions. Manna Pro will benefit from new customer segments and retailer relationships as a result of the acquisition, as well as enhanced research and development and expanded global influence.

“Hero Pet Brands has a leading product portfolio that perfectly complements our current offering and enables us to grow in scale in the thriving companion pet care and wellness category,” said John Howe, CEO of Manna Pro. “Our companies share a relentless focus on enriching the lives of pets and their families and we welcome their deep pet care expertise, brand building excellence and talented employee base.”

Hero Pet Brands is a global, omnichannel company working in pet specialty and FDM channels. The company owns Vet’s Best® and Natural Care®, two brands offering functional supplements, grooming products, and flea and tick remedies; waste pickup and cleanup brands Simple Solution®, Bags on Board® and Out!®; and Buffalo Range®, a line of jerky and bone chews for dogs.

Manna Pro has made several acquisitions since 2015 to grow its companion animal wellness portfolio. The company acquired Nutri-Vet®, manufacturer of functional pet health and wellness supplements, in 2015, followed by Espree®, a grooming, flea and tick product solution company in 2016.

VetScience™ and its Fruitables® brand of CalorieSmart® dog treat and food supplement brand geared toward aiding pet obesity, along with Response Products’ alternative mobility solutions, were both acquired by Manna Pro in 2018.

Manna Pro was acquired by investment entities managed by Morgan Stanley Capital Partners in December 2017. The pet company has provided pet nutrition and care to companion animal, equine, chicken and small animals since 1842.

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