Family-run pet healthcare brand Bob Martin has completed the acquisition of a pet care business from Nestlé to open up three new European markets.

Nestlé Purina PetCare manufactures a range of small animal pet food for birds, rodents, aquatic and small mammals and pet accessories.

The move, which follows past acquisitions of other businesses from Nestlé Purina in markets such as South Africa, will see Bob Martin gain manufacturing, distribution and salesforce capabilities in France, Spain and Italy, expanding the its existing footprint in Europe.

“With over 85 years’ experience, the Purina PetCare business offers significant expertise in pet wellbeing, which complements Bob Martin’s own heritage in companion animal healthcare,” CEO Savi Madan said.

“The acquisition provides us with the unique capability to manufacture and supply our customers with everything pets need, from medicines and feed, to grooming and accessories.”

Based in Somerset, Bob Martin was founded in 1892 to make vitamin and mineral powders to the diets of dogs. Today it produces a range of pet medicines, food, grooming and hygiene products, as well as still producing vitamin supplements for pets. It has offices in the UK, Germany and South Africa and is still owned and run by the Martin family.

“This is an exciting time for innovation at Bob Martin,” Madan added. “We will be able to respond to customer needs with a broader range of branded, bespoke and private label products, across all pet categories, as well as granting access to every major multiple retailer in Europe. We will also be looking for opportunities to better align our business’ ambitions and targets with those of our major customers to ensure customised solutions for the entire pet care category.”