Del Monte Foods, San Francisco, on May 22 announced an agreement to acquire Natural Balance Pet Foods Inc., founded 24 years ago by actor Dick Van Patten. The purchase price was not disclosed.
“After careful consideration, we believe we’ve found the perfect partner to help the business grow for the next 25 years,” said Joey Herrick, president and cofounder. “Natural Balance will continue to offer pet parents super-premium, high quality formulas that they have come to know and expect, and we look forward to continuing to nurture our valued relationships with our customers and other partners.”
Natural Balance makes both cat and dog foods and is headquartered in Pacoima, Calif. The merger includes the equity interest held by private equity firm VMG Partners. Del Monte owns such pet food brands as Gravy Train, Kibbles ’n’ Bits and Nine Lives.
