Quaker/New York Dog Acquires Sherpa Pet Group

Quaker Pet Group, the parent company of New York Dog, reported today that it has acquired Sherpa Pet Group, a Rockaway, N.J.-based manufacturer of pet accessories and toys. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

David Blatte, CEO of New York-based Quaker Pet Group, said the acquisition is in line with his company's goal of building a world-class pet accessories business across a broad spectrum of product categories and distribution channels.

"With this strategic acquisition of Sherpa, the Quaker Pet Group establishes a one-stop-shop resource in the pet specialty marketplace," he said.

Sherpa Pet Group manufactures collars, harnesses, carriers and toys under the brands Sherpa's Pet Trading, Fox & Hounds, Cloak & Dawggie, GoDog, Luna Brite, Dog Mountain, Pez for Pets and Woof Wear Organics. Under its new owners, Sherpa Pet Group will remain based in Rockaway and operate as a division of Quaker Pet Group under the leadership of Tim Ford, who is staying on as president. Quaker plans to continue all Sherpa brands and products at this time, according to management.

"With incredible resources and a commitment to providing operational excellence, the Quaker Pet Group will accelerate the momentum Sherpa has initiated and enable the exceptional brands and products to grow to the next level," Ford said. "We look forward to dynamic growth, a continued commitment to outstanding customer service, and the strategic marketing expertise that being part of the Quaker Pet Group will bring."

The Sherpa Pet Group deal marks Quaker Pet Group's second acquisition in less than a year. Quaker Pet Group acquired New York Dog, a manufacturer of dog apparel and accessories, in July 2010.

"Through the addition of industry-leading Sherpa, our retail customers will have access to an ever-increasing variety of product categories and product innovations," said Neil Werde, Quaker Pet Group's president and chief operating officer. "This acquisition will provide the Quaker Pet Group an even greater opportunity to support our strong retail partnerships with the best-selling products."

Quaker Pet Group reports that it continues to search for new acquisition and partnership opportunities.