Croci S.p.A. acquires the Spanish company Creaciones Arppe S.L.
Upon the acquisition, the company continues its growth and internationalization project and changes its business model, entering the world of manufacturing for the first time.
2022 expectations for Croci Group are positive, with turnover estimated to exceed 60 million euro (+20% over 2021).
Milan, November 9th 2022 – Croci S.p.A. (“Croci”), a leading Italian company in the pet accessories and aquariology sector, with a 2022F turnover exceeding € 60 million (+20% on 2021) and with Mindful Capital Partners (“MCP”) as majority shareholder, acquires 100% of the Spanish company Creaciones Arppe S.L. (“Arppe”).
With more than forty years of experience in the production and distribution of pet accessories, Arppe operates out of a modern factory of more than 7,000 square metres in an industrial area near Valencia, where it produces part of its extensive product portfolio, in particular leashes and comfort products (e.g. kennels, cushions). The company’s catalogue also includes articles for medication, snacks and fashion products, developed by the company and acquired from external suppliers. Arppe is characterised by a long-standing presence in the main Spanish specialised chains, where it markets more than 90% of its references under its own brand name.
Croci was founded about 30 years ago near Varese by the entrepreneur Dario Croci and, over the years, has been able to transform its business model, evolving from distributor to multibrand company with the Croci, Amtra and Bobby brands. The Group is thus increasingly focused on developing and creating a wide range of pet accessories (e.g. kennels, leashes, aquariums, toys, snacks and hygiene products) characterised by a strong component of innovation, sustainability and design. In December 2021, the private equity fund MCP III took over 70% of the company, with the aim of accelerating its growth in foreign markets.
In this sense, the acquisition of Arppe represents a further step in the process of internationalisation of Croci, which already boasts a consolidated presence in the German market, with the company Amtra (specialising in the aquariology sector), in the French market, thanks to the acquisition of Canifrance, a historic transalpine company specialising in high-quality collars and leashes, and, finally, in China, through a subsidiary established locally to develop the promising Asian market.
In addition to the possibility of establishing a direct presence in the Iberian Peninsula, characterised by the highest expected growth rate in Europe, the acquisition of Arppe is strategic as it will ensure the internalisation of certain production phases of the group.
“This operation on the Spanish market represents a very important step for Croci from a strategic and industrial point of view. This is because on the one hand it allows us to grow further in the international markets through our own direct subsidiary in the territory, and on the other hand, because we have started an important change in our business model by opening the doors to the world of production, since the Spanish company also owns a manufacturing site. The future strategy aims to be increasingly vertical in structure”, says Dario Croci, CEO of Croci Group.
“The acquisition of Arppe confirms the Group’s ability to grow in international markets through investments that ensure a direct presence in strategic markets,” says Andrea Tuccio, Managing Partner of Mindful Capital Partners.
Croci S.p.A. was assisted by Pavia and Ansaldo for legal aspects and by KPMG for financial, tax and environmental due-diligence. Arppe was assisted by Spanish advisor Highland Corporate.
***
Mindful Capital Partners (MCP) is an independent private equity firm, specialising in investments in small and medium-sized companies with growth potential in international markets. MCP is headquartered in Luxembourg, with offices in Milan and Shanghai, while coverage of German-speaking countries is ensured by a long-lasting relationship with a local advisor. The integrated presence of the investment team in different geographies allows MCP to offer its portfolio companies full support in the development of internationalization strategies.
Croci S.p.A., a leading Italian company in the pet and aquarium accessories sector, was founded in 1990 near Varese by the entrepreneur Dario Croci and, over the years, has been able to transform its business model, evolving from distributor to multibrand company with the Croci, Amtra and Bobby brands. The catalogue includes more than 8,000 products ranging from pet accessories to pet food, from aquariums to dog clothing, which are distributed in Italy and on international markets through classic pet shops, organised and specialised large-scale distribution, garden centres and on digital platforms. In December 2021, the private equity fund Mindful Capital Partners took over 70% of the company, with the aim of accelerating its growth in foreign markets.
Press Contacts
Croci S.p.A.
MY PR
Tel. 0254123452
Roberto Grattagliano – 338 9291793 – roberto.grattagliano@mypr.it
Roberta Marfone – roberta.marfone@mypr.it
Gemma Caparrini – gemma.caparrini@mypr.it
Mindful Capital Partners S.A.
Luxembourg Headquarter – Tel. +352 22011723
Milan Branch – Tel. +39 02 809401
