PetSmart considered buying rival chain

Phoenix – PetSmart Inc. considered but ultimately rejected attempting to buy an unidentified, privately held pet retail chain before agreeing to an $8.7 billion sale in December 2014. In an SEC filing, PetSmart disclosed it decided against the purchase after determining there could be competitive and antitrust issues.



PetSmart also said 27 potential buyers showed interest in purchasing the company between August and October 2014, before PetSmart formally launched a bidding process.



PetSmart has agreed to an $8.7 billion sale to a consortium led by private equity firm BC Partners Ltd. and plans to hold a special meeting of shareholders to vote on approval.