LONDON and LOS ANGELES — Harwood Private Equity, owner of European natural pet food producer Assisi Pet Care, has received financial support from Crescent Capital Group LP’s European Specialty Lending program to support the refinancing and “acquisitive growth strategy” of Assisi Pet Care.

The funding will also support Assisi’s acquisition of Maced Sp. Z.o.o, a Poland-based natural dog treat manufacturer specializing in dried animal byproduct chews and beef and poultry treats distributed across Europe. The acquisition includes a facility that will offer growth potential for Assisi.

“As a result of the transaction and with Crescent’s financing support, Assisi Pet Care will be able to gain more control over its manufacturing process and further increase the company’s geographical diversification and coverage across all major European pet food markets,” said Christine Vanden Beukel, managing director and head of Crescent’s European Specialty Lending strategy. “We believe this will strongly position the company within the attractive, fast-growing natural treats and pet food segment with a premium brand presence.”

Maced was established in 1993 and currently serves retailers — including pet specialty stores and e-commerce platforms — and distributors across more than 20 countries in the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Assisi’s acquisition of Maced represents its third acquisition to date.

Assisi was founded in September 2020 by Harwood Private Equity and Peter Mangion, current chief executive officer of Assisi. The company made its first acquisition in October 2020, purchasing Hollings Limited, another natural dog treat producer in the United Kingdom. In March 2021, Assisi acquired Town and Country Petfoods Limited, a natural pet food manufacturer in the United Kingdom selling mainly under the Hi-Life brand.

Assisi is based in Skipton, United Kingdom, and distributes natural pet food and treat products across the United Kingdom, Germany and Poland. Harwood Private Equity is an investor focused on providing financial support to lower mid-market companies in the United Kingdom.

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