The merger enables Worldwise, a leader in pet bedding, cat scratchers, cat toys and other cat accessories, to become an established and trusted resource in the high-growth dog toy and carrier markets. Worldwise’s brand line up of Petlinks®, SmartyKat®, TrustyPup® and kathy ireland® Loved Ones will be expanded with QPG’s successful SHERPA®, goDog™ and Hear Doggy!™, product lines. Both companies’ brands are highly regarded and in the top position of their respective categories. Together, the combined company will reach across multiple product segments and distribution channels and will continue to grow aggressively both domestically and internationally.
“We are extremely excited to add QPG’s proven brands and products to the Worldwise family,” said Kevin Fick, CEO of Worldwise. “Worldwise and Quaker Pet Group
David Blatte and Neil Werde, the founders of QPG, will continue to be involved in the business. Mr. Werde and the talented original QPG team of design & development professionals will remain focused on creating new and compelling pet products, while Mr. Blatte will join the Worldwise board of directors and focus on acquisitions to continue Worldwise’s aggressive growth strategy.
Worldwise is a portfolio company of Mistral Equity Partners, a consumer-focused private equity firm.
About Worldwise®
Petlinks®, SmartyKat®, TrustyPup® and kathy ireland® Loved Ones products are manufactured by Worldwise®, a leading consumer pet products company. By developing innovative, solution-based and high-quality products from environmental materials whenever possible, Worldwise brands are changing consumer beliefs about the look, feel, price and performance of environmentally-responsible products. www.worldwise.com
About Quaker Pet Group™
Founded in 2010 by pet lovers and industry veterans, Quaker Pet Group is dedicated to providing the best quality products for pets and their pet-parents. Comprised of a portfolio of carefully chosen and industry leading brands, QPG represents high-quality, innovative, solution-based products and proprietary collections such as SHERPA®, goDog™ and Hear Doggy!™ products. www.quakerpetgroup.com