A Canadian company with more than 35 years in the pet food industry has been scooped up by a corporate buyer.

Mars Petcare has expanded its global portfolio across pet nutrition products and health services with the acquisition of Edmonton-headquartered pet food manufacturer, Champion Petfoods.

Champion, which makes Orijen and Acana dog and cat food and treats, is owned by an investor group led by Bedford Capital and Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan. Its products are sold through pet specialty shops and retailers throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in veterinary clinics in Canada and through international distributors in more than 90 countries.

“We are excited to join Mars Petcare and become part of a world leader in pet nutrition and services,” says Champion’s CEO, Blaine McPeak. “We look forward to working with Mars Petcare on taking Champion to an entirely new level.”

Champion Petfoods’ dry food products are manufactured in company-owned kitchens in both Canada and the United States, Mars reports.

“We are thrilled to welcome Champion Petfoods and its more than 800 talented people to the Mars Petcare family,” says Mars Pet Nutrition’s global president, Ikdeep Singh. “The Champion Petfoods team has been a pioneer in developing high-quality and premium pet food in the natural category pet lovers around the world trust.”

The transaction, which is subject to customary regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the first half of 2023.