Maxi Zoo Ireland Acquires Equipet in major deal

02 November 2021

Maxi Zoo Ireland is pleased to announce the acquisition of all stores and the online shop from Equipet.

 

The acquisition, which has been welcomed by both parties, will enable the Irish subsidiary of the Fressnapf Group to accelerate future growth with an expanded and geographically enlarged store network.

 

As a result of the acquisition, Maxi Zoo Ireland now has a combined retail network of 29 stores nationwide, 285 employees and an online store. Both parties are working closely together to plan and ensure a smooth transition for all involved.

 

According to Enrico De Luca, Country Manager of Maxi Zoo Ireland, the new stores and online shop will allow the company to reach and satisfy many more customers in Ireland.

 

"Equipet is a company that we have always respected for its high standards in stores and quality," he said.  "We welcome the Equipet team and all employees to our Maxi Zoo family. We share the same passion and expertise for pets, and in doing so, we will make it easier, better and happier for people and pets to live together!"

 

Both companies have mutually agreed not to disclose the financial details of the acquisition.

 

Sven Girmendonk, Regional Operations Officer of the Fressnapf Group, added: “The acquisition of Equipet makes us the clear champion of the branch in Ireland and we will become a true omni-channel retailer We have great respect and appreciation for Equipet's performance, which is characterised by a high level of quality and service. Now, together, we will leverage the full potential and bring our ecosystem to life in Ireland step by step. Our goal will be to double our annual turnover of more than €30 million in the medium term year and to build more than 50 stores in perspective."  

 

Prior to the acquisition, Equipet had eight retail stores, 92 employees and an online store.

 

Directors Ian McCaffrey, Malachy Byrne and Martin Kennedy worked closely with Maxi Zoo Ireland for several months before the acquisition was officially completed yesterday, November 1st, 2021.

 

Ian McCaffrey stated, “We are very proud of how Equipet has grown and become a successful business. We have achieved all this with the great support and loyalty of our dedicated teams. It was very important to us that our brand and the teams we have built over the past 15 years are in good hands. The vision and core values of the Fressnapf Group fit us perfectly and we know that our teams and stores will be well taken care of and will continue to provide exceptional service to our customers.”