First acquisition in the Indian pet care industry
100% acquisition via cash and equity deal
March 30, National: Fuelled by its commitment to creating a robust 360-degree pet care ecosystem that is backed by veterinary science, pet care brand, Wiggles today announces the acquisition of Capt Zack. In a 100% cash and equity deal, the acquisition is the first in India’s burgeoning pet care start-up economy. The acquisition is also the first of its kind where in an Indian pet care start-up acquires another homegrown brand, further fuelling growth for the sector. Founded in 2016, Capt Zack is one of India’s earlier D2C entrants in the pet care category. The acquisition will not only enable Wiggles to grow its presence but also reaffirms the brands’ leadership and promise towards pets and animals.
Speaking on the acquisition, Anushka Iyer, Founder and CEO of Wiggles said, “We set out with an ambition to create a pet care ecosystem par excellence, tailored for Indian pets and animals. We have successfully launched category disruptive products, and services, earned trust, and revolutionized pet care in its true sense with our veterinary-first strategy, distinctive to Wiggles. As a brand, the values that Capt Zack operates with are synonymous with Wiggles. We firmly believe this acquisition will provide an impetus to our efforts and accelerate the momentum for new product development and launches, while strengthening distribution. We welcome Mohit and the team at Capt Zack to the Wiggles family. We are elated with a development of this scale and look forward to leading India’s pet care story with quality and science.”
Capt Zack is known for its diverse portfolio of chemical-free, natural, safe, and easy-to-use ISO-certified products for cats and dogs spanning hygiene, food, treats, etc. Its portfolio also includes accessories, toys, and beds thus enabling Wiggles to expand into newer categories. Given Capt Zack’s strong presence in the category of grooming essentials, Wiggles will continue to invest in R&D to develop and grow this segment further. Capt Zack was the first in India to have pet products clinically tested on sensitive human skin and offer veterinary licensed products. The acquisition will accelerate Wiggles’ growth and bolster the brand’s footprint in newer categories and markets.
Mohit Lalvani, Founder of Capt Zack further added, “It is the shared vision of Capt Zack and Wiggles’, that is the real winner. We are humbled on becoming a part of a brand that has achieved so much in a short span. The value that Wiggles introduced for pet parents is commendable. Given the substantial growth of pet ownership in the country, we are certain that the future is exciting and filled with innovation. We look forward to working with Anushka and the team as we march towards building India’s first holistic pet care ecosystem.”
Over the last year, Wiggles has experienced over 100% growth across its products and services while serving and caring for 700,000+ pets and animals across India.
About Wiggles
Loved and trusted by over 700,000 pets and pet parents, Wiggles was launched with a vision of creating a 360° pet care ecosystem that caters to a pet’s needs from birth, integrating physical, emotional, and social care. Founded in 2018 by pet parents, Anushka Iyer, Rajh Iyer and Venkat Mahadevan, Wiggles is rooted in veterinary science and is home to a growing range of category-creating services and products spanning across food and treats, grooming essentials, health supplements and medicines etc. Wiggles has set up India’s first state-of-the-art boarding, training and veterinary facility at Petsville in Pune, and its community Wiggles Tribe is India’s largest online and offline pet parent community with access to experts like vets, behaviourists, nutritionists and trainers.
Certified and recognised by institutions like International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA), Ministry of Ayush and World Pet Association, Wiggles offers indigenous and vet approved solutions for Indian pets and their parents. Continuing to cement its position as a committed #PartnerInPethood, Wiggles’ products are available on e-commerce platforms, in pet shops and retail stores. Pet parents can also avail products and services via www.wiggles.in.