Seitz GmbH has been acquired by BPE Unternehmensbeteiligungen

July 2015 — Seitz GmbH, a leading manufacturer of premium dog and cat food for customer brands based in the northwestern part of Germany, has been sold through a management buy-in to Thomas Suwelack and Michael Strumpen who were backed by BPE Unternehmensbeteiligungen GmbH, a German private equity investor with headquarters in Hamburg. Financial details have not been disclosed.

Founded in 1981, Seitz GmbH specializes in the production of canned wet pet food for dogs and cats for customer brands. In addition, the company offers BARF products and sausages which are also sold under the "Seitz Heimtiernahrung" brand. In an efficient manufacturing process more than 300 variations are produced, filled in cans airtight, sterilized, labeled and packaged.

After carrying out an international bidding process the sellers decided for the management buy-in backed by BPE. The shareholders were convinced by the new management’s proven knowledge and experience in meat processing. Thomas Suwelack and Michael Strumpen together with BPE had already successfully developed and later sold Karl Kemper GmbH, a manufacturer of primarily meat convenience products.

The members of the founding family will stay with the company as consultants during a transitional period.

Our role in the transaction

Oaklins' team in Germany advised the shareholders of Seitz in selling their shares to BPE.