Merger creates new pet power

Two mid-sized U.S. and Canadian chains are joining forces to create the third-largest pet specialty retailer and the largest small format, neighborhood specialty pet retailer in North America.



Pet Valu and Pet Supermarket have merged to create a combined business named Pet Retail Brands. With more than 930 stores, it is expected to generate approximately $1 billion in system-wide retail sales across the U.S. and Canada. Pet Retail Brands will have stores from the East Coast to the West Coast and from Miami to Vancouver.



Headquartered in Markham, Ontario, Pet Valu is a Canadian retailer with more than 770 stores across Canada and the U.S. Headquartered in Sunrise, Florida, Pet Supermarket operates 165 stores in the southeastern U.S. Both chains will remain in their current headquarters locations.



“The combination of these two highly complementary businesses, both long-established brands with strong cultures and deep commitments to local communities and helping pets, will create the leading community-focused pet specialty retailer in North America,” said Ezra Field, managing director of Roark Capital. “Together, both brands will benefit by sharing infrastructure, resources and best practices to deliver superb value to both Pet Valu and Pet Supermarket’s loyal customers, committed employees and business partners.”



As part of the transaction, Thomas McNeely, who has served as CEO of Pet Valu since August 2009, will become president and CEO of Pet Retail Brands. Concurrent with the closing of the transaction, Diane Holtz announced her retirement from her role as Pet Supermarket’s president and CEO. Holtz joined Pet Supermarket in 1992 and has served as president and COO since 2002. She was president and CEO and a member of the board since 2015.