Investment fund manager acquires pet nutrition supplement provider

Photo: ReeseArcurs/peopleimages.com

FoodScience, a provider of pet and human nutritional supplements based in Williston, Vermont, has been acquired by investment fund manager Morgan Stanley Capital Partners (MSCP), a private equity team at Morgan Stanley Investment Management.^1,2 Previously acquired by the Wind Point Partners organization in 2021,¹ FoodScience drives a science-first approach to formulate, manufacture, market, and distribute nutritional supplements, according to a news release.²

FoodScience offers a portfolio of products through the VetriScience, DaVinci, and Pet Naturals brands, as well as private label and custom formulation offerings. According to MSCP and Wind Point, Sharon Rossi will continue as FoodScience’s chief executive officer, a role she has served since 2017.^1,2

“I am grateful for Wind Point’s tremendous support and partnership over the last 3 and a half years. Together, we enhanced FoodScience’s platform through broader capabilities and an expanded manufacturing and distribution footprint, further strengthening FoodScience’s ability to deliver on its mission to help people and their pets live healthier lives every day. FoodScience is well-positioned to continue serving our customers, employees and stakeholders, and the team and I look forward to continuing to scale the platform in our next phase of growth,” Rossi said in a news release.¹

“MSCP’s investment serves as a further testament to FoodScience’s legacy and mission-driven culture,” Rossi added.² “We are excited to partner with the MSCP team and look forward to leveraging their network and expertise in the pet and animal health sector to accelerate our growth both organically and through strategic acquisitions.”

MSCP’s acquisition of FoodScience represents a new investment in the pet and animal health sector. The company previously exited Compana Pet Brands (formerly Manna Pro) and Thrive Pet Healthcare (formerly Pathway Vet Alliance).² Prior to being acquired by TSG Consumer Partners in 2020, Thrive saw investment from MSCP for 4 years. During that time, Thrive built a veterinary services platform and grew its business.³

James Stewart, managing director and co-head of consumer investing at MSCP, noted that the company was drawn to FoodScience by the more than 50 years of history in the industry with a “stellar reputation” and mission to help humans and pets live healthier lives. “Under Sharon’s leadership, they have built a leading platform dedicated to delivering safe, effective, and innovative brands while serving as the partner of choice to FoodScience’s contract manufacturing customers. We look forward to working together as we collectively seek to build on and expand the exceptional product portfolio,” Stewart said in a news release.²

According to Wind Point, the company is also an active investor in the pet and animal nutrition industry. The company’s current investments include Assisi Pet Care, Targeted PetCare, Petmate and Pestell Nutrition.¹

References

1. Wind Point Partners announces sale of FoodScience to Morgan Stanley Capital Partners. News Release. Wind Point Partners. November 2024. Accessed November 20, 2024. https://www.wppartners.com/wind-point-partners-announces-sale-of-foodscience-to-morgan-stanley-capital-partners/
2. Morgan Stanley Capital Partners acquires FoodScience. News release. Morgan Stanley Capital Partners. November 19, 2024. Accessed November 19, 2024. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241118822513/en/
3. TSG Consumer Partners acquires Pathway Vet Alliance from Morgan Stanley Capital Partners. News release. Thrive Pet Healthcare. April 3, 2020. Accessed November 19, 2024. https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/tsg-consumer-partners-acquires-pathway-vet-alliance-from-morgan-stanley-capital-partners