Private-equity firm PAI Partners has agreed to acquire North American pet food manufacturer Alphia from J.H. Whitney Capital Partners.

The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

PAI’s aim with the move is to “accelerate” Alphia’s North American growth, both organically and through acquisitions.

In May, it was reported Alphia had started exploring future options, including a potential sale. At the time, Reuters reported the company was working with investment bank Goldman Sachs on a potential deal that could have valued the business at more than $1bn.

“PAI is committed to our ongoing vision for growth and shares the common values of innovation, food safety and industry leadership,” Alphia CEO David McLain said yesterday (24 August). “We appreciate the many years of support and partnership with J.H. Whitney, during which time we created Alphia, one of the leading pet-food co-manufacturing platforms in the world.”

Winston Song, consumer lead in PAI’s US division, claimed Alphia has “set the industry standard” as a partner to many brands and retailers.

“Alphia is a best-in-class company and plays an invaluable role in the value chain of pet food and treats, an exciting consumer category with strong secular tailwinds,” Song said.

Denver-headquartered Alphia has six manufacturing facilities across the US.

It produces more than 1bn pounds of dry pet food and treats annually on behalf of pet food brands and retailers.

Alphia is the parent company of LANI, an ingredient milling solutions business, and Veracity, a warehousing and logistics provider.

The company was formed through the merger of American Nutrition and C.J. Foods in 2020 to create a national pet food manufacturing platform. J.H. Whitney acquired Alphia’s predecessor, C.J. Foods in 2014.

In June, Alphia invested $5m in Better Choice, a pet health and wellness company. The deal saw Alphia becoming the manufacturer of Halo, Better Choice’s flagship dog- and cat-food subsidiary and brand.