Central Garden & Pet Forms Joint Venture with Phillips Pet Food
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 13 2026
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Should l Buy CENTA?
Central Garden & Pet announced a strategic partnership with Phillips Pet Food & Supplies to launch a strategic pet distribution joint venture. By bringing together two highly complementary platforms, the companies aim to create a stronger, more agile nationwide distribution network designed to accelerate growth opportunities, drive greater operational efficiency, and deliver enhanced service and capabilities to the companies' customers, employees, and vendor partners. Under the terms of the agreement, Central will receive cash proceeds and retain a 20% ownership stake in the newly formed joint venture. Phillips and its existing investors, led by Axar Capital Management, will hold the remaining 80%, with the new business operating as an independent entity focused on scaling a differentiated, high-performance nationwide distribution platform. The joint venture will operate under the Phillips brand. Current Central Pet Distribution employees are expected to transition to the new joint venture, ensuring continuity of service, expertise, and customer relationships. Their deep knowledge of the business and strong partnerships with customers and vendors will remain a key strength of the combined platform, supporting a seamless transition and continued high-quality service for customers and partners. The formation of this joint venture positions Central's distribution capabilities to scale, compete, and win as part of a larger, dedicated platform while sharpening the company's focus on growing its branded portfolio. By combining Phillips' strength in pet food with Central's leadership in pet supplies, the joint venture is expected to create a more agile, efficient, and service-oriented network, with expanded reach and improved access for retail and independent partners across the United States. The new business will be led by Blaine Phillips, CEO and Chairman of Phillips, who has spent decades building Phillips into a leading national distributor serving the pet specialty channel. Known for his customer-first approach and deep industry relationships, he brings proven leadership and experience to guide the joint venture's next phase of growth.
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About CENTA
Central Garden & Pet Company is engaged in the garden and pet industries. The Company offers a portfolio of over 60 brands, including Amdro, Aqueon, Best Bully Sticks, Cadet, C&S, Farnam, Ferry-Morse, Kaytee, Nylabone, Pennington, Sevin, Zoecon, and JustiFLY. Its segments include Pet and Garden. The Pet segment includes dog and cat supplies such as treats and chews, toys, beds and containment, grooming products, waste management and training pads; supplies for aquatics, small animals, reptiles and pet birds including toys, enclosures and habitats, bedding, food and supplements; products for equine and livestock, animal and household health and insect control products; live fish and small animals as well as outdoor cushions. The Garden segment includes lawn and garden consumables such as grass seed; vegetable, flower and herb packet seed; wild bird feed, bird houses and other birding accessories; weed, grass, and other herbicides, insecticide and pesticide products, and live plants.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Gordon Brothers Provides $175 Million Financing for Phillips Pet Food Acquisition
- Financing Support for Acquisition: Gordon Brothers provided $175 million in strategic financing to Phillips Pet Food to support its acquisition of Central Garden & Pet's distribution arm, enabling Phillips and Central Pet to merge into the largest pet distribution company in the U.S., significantly enhancing market competitiveness.
- Asset Intelligent Capital: The financing is structured as a unitranche asset-based lending revolver with an embedded RILO℠ tranche, enhancing capital flexibility and durability, which will help Phillips unlock future growth and investment opportunities in the brand, driving business expansion.
- Integration and Optimization: Gordon Brothers will act as the integration agent, leveraging its deep expertise in the pet industry to provide technical and operational support, assisting Phillips with inventory rationalization and sales support for non-core products, thereby improving overall operational efficiency.
- Real Estate Strategy: Gordon Brothers will serve as the exclusive real estate advisor to the combined company, conducting comprehensive facility assessments to optimize geographic coverage and infrastructure, reduce occupancy costs, and support future growth, ensuring sustainable business development.
See More
Nylabone Launches Love Our Oceans Collection Ahead of Earth Day
- Sustainable Material Use: Nylabone's Love Our Oceans Collection incorporates 30% reclaimed fishing nets, successfully repurposing over 100,000 pounds of ocean-bound nylon into durable dog chew toys, demonstrating the brand's commitment to environmental sustainability while catering to dogs' chewing instincts and reducing plastic waste's threat to marine ecosystems.
- Product Diversity: The collection features five uniquely designed chew toys, such as the grease-free Infinity Braid Bone and easy-grip Barbell, aimed at promoting healthy chewing habits through various shapes and flavors, addressing the issue of destructive chewing that leads to dog returns to shelters.
- Market Positioning and Impact: The Love Our Oceans Collection is now available at select retailers nationwide, expected to attract pet owners interested in sustainable products, thereby enhancing the brand's market share and influence within the pet industry.
- Company Background and Vision: As a leader in healthy chewing since 1955, Nylabone is dedicated to improving pet lives through innovative, high-quality products, reflecting its long-term commitment and responsibility in the pet care sector.
See More
Central Garden & Pet Partners with Phillips for Nationwide Distribution Expansion
- Strategic Partnership: Central Garden & Pet has formed a strategic partnership with Phillips Pet Food & Supplies to establish a joint venture aimed at enhancing the agility and efficiency of the nationwide distribution network, thereby accelerating growth and improving customer service capabilities.
- Equity Structure and Proceeds: Under the agreement, Central will receive cash proceeds and retain a 20% ownership stake in the new joint venture, while Phillips and its investors will hold the remaining 80%, ensuring the new business operates as an independent entity focused on building a high-performance distribution platform.
- Employee Transition and Service Continuity: Current Central Pet Distribution employees are expected to transition to the new joint venture, ensuring continuity of service and customer relationships, leveraging their deep knowledge of the business and strong partnerships to maintain high-quality service delivery.
- Long-Term Growth Strategy: The formation of this joint venture enhances Central's distribution capabilities, allowing it to compete on a larger platform while sharpening its focus on growing its branded portfolio, expected to provide expanded market access and improved service for retail and independent partners.
See More
DoMyOwn Expands Pest Control Focus with Richard Karn's Continued Partnership
- Partnership Continuation: DoMyOwn extends its collaboration with DIY home improvement expert Richard Karn, who continues as Chief Solutions Officer, enhancing brand visibility and consumer trust in tackling pest issues.
- Innovative Video Content: Karn showcases the simplicity of pest control through new video content, empowering consumers to confidently select appropriate products when facing common pests like ants and mosquitoes, thereby improving purchasing decision efficiency.
- Market Demand Insight: Research by DoMyOwn indicates that 53% of consumers research pest solutions before purchasing, highlighting the importance of providing clear guidance and expertise to meet consumer needs for effective pest control.
- Diverse Products and Services: DoMyOwn offers a wide range of professional-grade products and support to help consumers identify and manage pests, ensuring comfortable, pest-free living environments, further solidifying its leadership in the DIY pest control market.
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CENTRAL GARDEN & PET REVEALS EXPANSION OF STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM
Central Garden & Pet Announcement: Central Garden & Pet has announced an increase in stock repurchase authorization, allowing the company to buy back more of its shares.
Purpose of Repurchase: The stock repurchase is aimed at enhancing shareholder value and reflects the company's confidence in its financial position and future growth prospects.
See More
Central Garden & Pet Appoints New Board Member
- New Board Appointment: Central Garden & Pet Company has appointed Kay M. Schwichtenberg to its Board of Directors, effective March 1, 2026, aiming to leverage her extensive experience in the animal health sector to drive company growth.
- Rich Industry Experience: Schwichtenberg brings over 40 years of experience in the animal health industry, including 29 years at Central, where she most recently served as Executive Vice President of Animal & Public Health until her retirement in February 2023, demonstrating her deep understanding of the company.
- Leadership Recognition: Bill Brown, Chairman of the Board, stated that Schwichtenberg's leadership experience and profound understanding of consumer products and animal health will provide crucial support for the company's focus on innovation and long-term value creation, further enhancing corporate governance.
- Outstanding Educational Background: Schwichtenberg holds an MBA from the University of Illinois at Chicago and completed the Advanced Executive Program at London Business School, showcasing her expertise in business management, which can significantly contribute to strategic decision-making within the company.
See More
Gordon Brothers Provides $175 Million Financing for Phillips Pet Food Acquisition
- Financing Support for Acquisition: Gordon Brothers provided $175 million in strategic financing to Phillips Pet Food to support its acquisition of Central Garden & Pet's distribution arm, enabling Phillips and Central Pet to merge into the largest pet distribution company in the U.S., significantly enhancing market competitiveness.
- Asset Intelligent Capital: The financing is structured as a unitranche asset-based lending revolver with an embedded RILO℠ tranche, enhancing capital flexibility and durability, which will help Phillips unlock future growth and investment opportunities in the brand, driving business expansion.
- Integration and Optimization: Gordon Brothers will act as the integration agent, leveraging its deep expertise in the pet industry to provide technical and operational support, assisting Phillips with inventory rationalization and sales support for non-core products, thereby improving overall operational efficiency.
- Real Estate Strategy: Gordon Brothers will serve as the exclusive real estate advisor to the combined company, conducting comprehensive facility assessments to optimize geographic coverage and infrastructure, reduce occupancy costs, and support future growth, ensuring sustainable business development.
See More
Nylabone Launches Love Our Oceans Collection Ahead of Earth Day
- Sustainable Material Use: Nylabone's Love Our Oceans Collection incorporates 30% reclaimed fishing nets, successfully repurposing over 100,000 pounds of ocean-bound nylon into durable dog chew toys, demonstrating the brand's commitment to environmental sustainability while catering to dogs' chewing instincts and reducing plastic waste's threat to marine ecosystems.
- Product Diversity: The collection features five uniquely designed chew toys, such as the grease-free Infinity Braid Bone and easy-grip Barbell, aimed at promoting healthy chewing habits through various shapes and flavors, addressing the issue of destructive chewing that leads to dog returns to shelters.
- Market Positioning and Impact: The Love Our Oceans Collection is now available at select retailers nationwide, expected to attract pet owners interested in sustainable products, thereby enhancing the brand's market share and influence within the pet industry.
- Company Background and Vision: As a leader in healthy chewing since 1955, Nylabone is dedicated to improving pet lives through innovative, high-quality products, reflecting its long-term commitment and responsibility in the pet care sector.
See More
Central Garden & Pet Partners with Phillips for Nationwide Distribution Expansion
- Strategic Partnership: Central Garden & Pet has formed a strategic partnership with Phillips Pet Food & Supplies to establish a joint venture aimed at enhancing the agility and efficiency of the nationwide distribution network, thereby accelerating growth and improving customer service capabilities.
- Equity Structure and Proceeds: Under the agreement, Central will receive cash proceeds and retain a 20% ownership stake in the new joint venture, while Phillips and its investors will hold the remaining 80%, ensuring the new business operates as an independent entity focused on building a high-performance distribution platform.
- Employee Transition and Service Continuity: Current Central Pet Distribution employees are expected to transition to the new joint venture, ensuring continuity of service and customer relationships, leveraging their deep knowledge of the business and strong partnerships to maintain high-quality service delivery.
- Long-Term Growth Strategy: The formation of this joint venture enhances Central's distribution capabilities, allowing it to compete on a larger platform while sharpening its focus on growing its branded portfolio, expected to provide expanded market access and improved service for retail and independent partners.
See More
DoMyOwn Expands Pest Control Focus with Richard Karn's Continued Partnership
- Partnership Continuation: DoMyOwn extends its collaboration with DIY home improvement expert Richard Karn, who continues as Chief Solutions Officer, enhancing brand visibility and consumer trust in tackling pest issues.
- Innovative Video Content: Karn showcases the simplicity of pest control through new video content, empowering consumers to confidently select appropriate products when facing common pests like ants and mosquitoes, thereby improving purchasing decision efficiency.
- Market Demand Insight: Research by DoMyOwn indicates that 53% of consumers research pest solutions before purchasing, highlighting the importance of providing clear guidance and expertise to meet consumer needs for effective pest control.
- Diverse Products and Services: DoMyOwn offers a wide range of professional-grade products and support to help consumers identify and manage pests, ensuring comfortable, pest-free living environments, further solidifying its leadership in the DIY pest control market.
See More
CENTRAL GARDEN & PET REVEALS EXPANSION OF STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM
Central Garden & Pet Announcement: Central Garden & Pet has announced an increase in stock repurchase authorization, allowing the company to buy back more of its shares.
Purpose of Repurchase: The stock repurchase is aimed at enhancing shareholder value and reflects the company's confidence in its financial position and future growth prospects.
See More
Central Garden & Pet Appoints New Board Member
- New Board Appointment: Central Garden & Pet Company has appointed Kay M. Schwichtenberg to its Board of Directors, effective March 1, 2026, aiming to leverage her extensive experience in the animal health sector to drive company growth.
- Rich Industry Experience: Schwichtenberg brings over 40 years of experience in the animal health industry, including 29 years at Central, where she most recently served as Executive Vice President of Animal & Public Health until her retirement in February 2023, demonstrating her deep understanding of the company.
- Leadership Recognition: Bill Brown, Chairman of the Board, stated that Schwichtenberg's leadership experience and profound understanding of consumer products and animal health will provide crucial support for the company's focus on innovation and long-term value creation, further enhancing corporate governance.
- Outstanding Educational Background: Schwichtenberg holds an MBA from the University of Illinois at Chicago and completed the Advanced Executive Program at London Business School, showcasing her expertise in business management, which can significantly contribute to strategic decision-making within the company.
See More
