#USA #H.I.G. Capital #Centennial #Pet Products #Outward Hound

Outward Hound Welcomes New Ownership

Outward Hound, a prominent name in pet products, has just embarked on an exciting new chapter as it announces that funds affiliated with H.I.G. Capital have assumed majority ownership of the company. This pivotal acquisition promises robust support aimed at accelerating product innovation, forging stronger retail partnerships, and uncovering new market opportunities.

Jared Mosher, the CEO of Outward Hound, expressed his enthusiasm regarding this transition. He stated, "This is an exciting moment for the Company. H.I.G.'s support gives us greater flexibility to invest in our brands, advance product innovation, and pursue growth opportunities. We remain focused on building on what makes Outward Hound valuable to pet parents and retail partners — distinctive brands, strong product development, and trusted customer relationships." With this strategic partnership, Outward Hound is poised to leverage H.I.G. Capital’s extensive resources and expertise, thereby enhancing its capabilities to serve the pet community better.

H.I.G. Capital is known for its operationally focused approach, managing around $75 billion in capital globally. Its impressive portfolio includes over 400 companies, demonstrating a remarkable track record in empowering middle-market entities to thrive. Vivek Jain, a Managing Director at H.I.G. Capital, remarked on the collaboration, stating, "We are pleased to partner with Outward Hound and the leadership team to expand the business and capitalize on the opportunities ahead." This alignment reflects a shared vision to push boundaries within the dynamic pet product market.

Founded in 1997, Outward Hound specializes in creating high-quality toys, games, gear, feeders, and treats for pets. Their well-recognized brands, including Outward Hound, Best Friends by Sheri, Catstages, Wholesome Pride Pet Treats, Nina Ottosson, and Planet Dog, have emerged as household names among pet enthusiasts. The brand's commitment to innovation and quality has earned it numerous accolades, establishing a loyal customer base and a strong presence in the retail sector.

As the company looks towards the future, their strategy will likely focus on enhancing product innovation while deepening customer relationships and refining retail partnerships. By aligning with H.I.G. Capital, Outward Hound is better positioned to navigate the complexities of today’s market and take full advantage of emerging opportunities. The investment received from H.I.G. is expected to fortify Outward Hound’s mission to enrich the lives of pets and their owners.

Moreover, with a heightened emphasis on expanding category opportunities, the company aims to diversify its offerings further, ensuring that pet parents have access to a broad range of products suited to their unique needs. The goal is not just to maintain their existing foothold but to grow the brand into new territories, ultimately delivering even more value to their consumers.

This strategic partnership heralds a promising future for Outward Hound, where innovation meets experience, setting the stage for extraordinary growth. As they gear up for this exciting period, pet parents can anticipate enhanced product lines that prioritize both quality and affordability, keeping their furry companions happy and healthy. The combination of Outward Hound's legacy in pet products and H.I.G. Capital's investment prowess is expected to create ripples throughout the pet care industry, ushering in a new era of innovation and growth.