#United States #H.I.G. Capital #London #Nasta Pet Food #FirstMate Pet Foods

Financing Announcement

On February 27, 2026, H.I.G. WhiteHorse, the credit affiliate of H.I.G. Capital, announced a game-changing €120 million funding package tailored for Nasta Pet Food, a family-run group based in France, specializing in premium pet food.

Who is Nasta Pet Food?

Nasta Pet Food is renowned for offering ultra-premium nutrition solutions for pets. Established in 2016, the company has developed a remarkable portfolio of brands, including Bab'in, Forza10, and Natural Code, boasting over 150 years of combined expertise in pet nutrition. Nasta operates integrated production facilities in both France and Italy and distributes its high-quality products across more than thirty markets worldwide, including North America and China.

Details of the Funding

The strategic financial package is set to bolster Nasta's acquisition of FirstMate Pet Foods, a leading pet food manufacturer strategically located in British Columbia, Canada. This acquisition is crucial for Nasta as it aims to expand its market presence across North America.

Post-transaction, the combined group will operate a comprehensive industrial platform that encompasses both Europe and North America. It is projected that their consolidated annual production capacity will reach approximately 45,000 tons for dry pet food and 4,000 tons for wet pet food, effectively serving over 400,000 pet-owning households around the globe. The group targets a consolidated revenue of around €200 million by 2026.

Voices from Leadership

Geoffroy Lefebvre, CEO of Nasta, expressed his enthusiasm regarding this new phase in the company's journey, stating, "Our partnership with H.I.G. WhiteHorse marks the beginning of a new chapter for growth and maturity at Nasta. The support from such a reputable institution solidifies our plans, the credibility of our project, and the heritage of our brands. We are thrilled about the prospects of shaping our future in collaboration with H.I.G."

Pascal Meysson, Head of H.I.G. WhiteHorse Europe, also shared his thoughts, emphasizing, "We are delighted to offer Nasta a funding solution that aligns with its strategic ambitions. This transaction showcases our ability to deliver flexible and scalable capital solutions for companies looking to undertake transformative cross-border acquisitions without private equity backing."

Charles Bourgeois, Managing Director at H.I.G. WhiteHorse Europe, highlighted Nasta's robust market position, noting, "Nasta is an impressive entity with strong footing in the attractive ultra-premium pet food segment, backed by integrated industrial capabilities and an ambitious international growth strategy. The acquisition of FirstMate Pet Foods is a key milestone that significantly enhances Nasta’s footprint in the North American market."

Looking Ahead

With a focused strategy combining organic growth and targeted acquisitions, Nasta is poised to lead in the competitive pet food industry. The partnership with H.I.G. WhiteHorse is a testament to the shared vision of growth and innovation in delivering top-notch pet nutrition worldwide. As Nasta embarks on this journey, the support of H.I.G. Capital fundamentally boosts its capacity to realize ambitious goals and fulfill its mission of enhancing pet well-being globally.

For more information on Nasta and its mission, please visit nasta.com.

About H.I.G. Capital

Established in 1993, H.I.G. Capital is a leading global alternative investment firm managing $74 billion of capital, with a diverse portfolio that includes management buyouts, recapitalizations, and direct lending across various sectors. With offices across major cities in the United States and internationally, H.I.G. remains committed to providing flexible and operationally-focused investment solutions to medium-sized companies. To learn more, visit hig.com.