US food giant General Mills has acquired Edgard & Cooper, one of Europe’s fastest-growing independent pet food brands. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Founded in 2016, Edgard & Cooper generated retail sales of more than €100m last year across 13 markets, including the UK, Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain, and Hungary.
General Mills stated the move was part of its ‘Accelerate’ strategy, which it launched in 2021 to drive organic growth.
Headquartered in Kortrijk, Belgium, Edgard & Cooper will operate as a separate unit led by its founders, with its financial results consolidated into General Mills’ International segment.
“Edgard & Cooper is at the intersection of our Accelerate strategy’s core markets and global platforms,” said Jon Nudi, group president, Pet, International and North America Foodservice, General Mills. “We’re thrilled to welcome the Edgard & Cooper team to the General Mills family, and we look forward to partnering together to advance their mission to revolutionize premium, natural pet food.”
Koen Bostoen, one of Edgard & Cooper’s founders, added: “Combining our brand’s natural positioning and commercial capabilities with General Mills’ marketing and supply chain expertise, we’re ready to accelerate Edgard & Cooper’s growth.”
