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Acquisition opens door for Chorley pet products group
5/11/2009

Radio Systems Corporation (RSC), a US pet products supplier with a Chorley based UK subsidiary, PetSafe Ltd, has acquired the assets of a Guernsey-based competitor for an undisclosed sum.

RSC, headquartered in Tennessee, designs and manufactures over 400 training, containment, safety, and lifestyle products for pets, which it distributes online and via retail outlets across the world.

The business has acquired the intellectual property of Pet Porte Limited, a manufacturer of `Smart` cat flaps based in Guernsey.

The product, which won Your Cat magazine`s Product of the Year in 2008, unlocks after recognising a micro-chip implanted under the cat`s skin (the so called `pet passport`), thereby preventing other unwanted animals from accessing.

As part of the transaction, Pet Porte will continue to manufacture its existing products and will act as a sales and marketing agent for PetSafe`s wider portfolio.

The UK pet market was estimated to be worth over £4 billion in retail sales in 2008, according to AMA Research. Despite the economic downturn, accessories represent a substantial and growing part of the market with most sectors proving relatively resilient in the current climate.

Angela Critchley, International Marketing Manager of PetSafe Ltd who sourced and brokered the deal for RSC, said: "Since the business was founded almost 20 years ago, our goal has been to provide innovative, life-enhancing products for pets and their owners, which is why Pet Porte was such a strong strategic fit for our business.

"We`re excited about bringing this new line of technology-enabled products to a wider and growing global market."

A team led by Ruth Jones, Corporate Partner and Simon Lewis, solicitor at leading North West law firm Brabners Chaffe Street, advised RSC. Neville Walker advised Pet Porte`s shareholders on the sale.

Ruth Jones, who made such an impression on PetSafe when acting for the sellers on PetSafe`s purchase of the Staywell brand from Reilor Holdings Limited in 2005, they retained her services, commented: "The pet products market has proved resilient in the recession and forecasts significant future growth as more owners focus on improving their pets` quality of life."

"The technology developed by Pet Porte provides an ideal opportunity for RSC and PetSafe to enhance its presence in microchip-enabled products and create another entry point for its extensive range."

The deal represents the latest in a series of acquisitions handled by the Corporate team at Brabners Chaffe Street. According to Corpfin data for the nine months to September, the firm has advised on 13 transactions this year worth an aggregate £68m, making it the 4th most active law firm in the North West.


For further information contact Ruth Jones at Brabners Chaffe Street on 0161 836 8800

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