Pets Choice acquires Animate

Blackburn-based Pets Choice has reached an agreement to purchase the assets and goodwill of The Animate Company.

From November 1, Pets Choice will take over all sales order processing and administration for The Animate Company brands, and all deliveries of Animate products will be delivered and invoiced by Pets Choice.

Paul Sivyour, managing director of the Yorkshire firm, said: "We have built our family business successfully since 1996, acquiring Outhwaite Pets in 2012 and now is the time for Jackie and myself to retire and leave our business in the secure hands of Pets Choice.

"Our company brands have huge potential, and I am sure that Pets Choice will continue to drive sales, develop the range and take Animate to the next level."

Tony Raeburn, CEO of Pets Choice, said: "This is a very exciting acquisition for us that increases our offering to the trade. We are excited to be expanding into pet accessories and are looking forward to building on the solid base that Paul and Jackie have created and working to develop the brands further."

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