.png)
.webp)
© History Oasis / Created via Midjourney
2001-2002
Mars acquired Royal Canin for about $730 million. They purchased a 56.4% controlling stake from French bank BNP Paribas. Founded in 1967 by veterinarian Jean Cathary, Royal Canin controlled 36% of the French dry dog food market. The premium pet food brand complemented its existing Pedigree and Whiskas.
2001
Mars purchased Lucas Candy Company in 2001. Lucas is best known for its spicy, fruit-flavored Mexican candies. The acquisition expanded Mars’s presence in the Latino market, especially among Mexicans.
2003
Mars acquired Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (API) in 2003. The company, founded in 1964, was renamed Mars Fishcare by 2007. The deal gave Mars popular aquarium brands like API, RENA, and PondCare.
2007
The 2007 acquisition of Doane Petcare strengthened Mars’ position in the U.S. dry pet food category. Doane was a major private-label pet food manufacturer, allowing Mars to expand its manufacturing capacity.
2007
Mars acquired a controlling stake in Banfield Pet Hospital, the largest private veterinary practice in the United States, in 2007. The company had hundreds of locations, primarily in PetSmart stores.
2007
Mars purchased Nutro Products in 2007. Nutro is a premium natural pet food brand founded in 1926. This acquisition allowed Mars to enter the rapidly growing natural pet food segment with higher-end products.
2008
In 2008, in a landmark $23 billion deal, Mars acquired Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company. The move merged Mars’ chocolate brands with Wrigley’s gum and mint portfolio (Doublemint, Extra, Orbit, Altoids). Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway provided significant backing.
2014
Mars purchased P&G’s pet food brands (IAMS, Eukanuba, and Natura) for $2.9 billion in 2014. It brought three billion-dollar brands under its umbrella and complemented its existing pet food portfolio.
2017
Mars acquired VCA Inc. for approximately $9.1 billion, adding nearly 800 animal hospitals and 60 diagnostic laboratories throughout North America.
2020
Mars acquired Kind LLC, maker of Kind bars, for $5 billion in 2020. Founded in 2004, Kind pioneered transparent ingredient lists and nutritionally dense snack bars. This helped Mars enter the growing healthy foods market.
2022
Mars Petcare acquired Nom Nom, a direct-to-consumer fresh pet food company, adding it to the Royal Canin division. Nom Nom specialized in fresh, human-grade pet food.
2022
In 2022, Mars acquired Utah-based Trü Frü, a whole-fruit snacking company that produces chocolate-covered fruit products. This acquisition expanded Mars’s presence in natural snacks.
2023
In 2023, Mars acquired UK-based premium chocolate manufacturer and retailer Hotel Chocolat for $663 million. Founded in 1993, Hotel Chocolat had established itself as a high-end chocolate brand with tantalizing products.
2023
Mars bought Kevin’s Natural Foods in 2023. The company, founded in 2014, offers healthy frozen meals focusing on high-protein, low-carb options.
2023
In 2023, Mars acquired Heska, a provider of advanced veterinary diagnostic and specialty products founded in 1988. The deal was a great way for Mars to integrate diagnostics into its existing veterinary network.
2024, pending
Mars recently announced its acquisition of Kellanova (formerly part of Kellogg’s) for $35.9 billion. This pending transaction will add iconic snack brands, including Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, and Rice Krispies Treats, to Mars’ portfolio. It’s the largest acquisition of 2024 and the largest CPG transaction since 2015.
.webp)
.webp)