FORTH-WORTH, Texas, October 28th, 2024 – Pure Treats Inc. (“PureBites”) and its leading brands of dog & cat treats, food and toppers has agreed to acquire Bar W Foods & Eighteen Below Partners LLC (“18 Below”) and their industry-leading human grade meat processing and freeze-drying facility in Fort Worth, Texas.
“We’re ecstatic for the opportunities this acquisition brings our brands, our customers, and our loyal Pet Parents.” says Marc Cathcart, president of PureBites. “18 Below operates a leading human grade kitchen that has been making RAW freeze-dried treats, food and toppers for pets for the past 11 years. They are led by Paul Wehba and his passionate team who are obsessed with delivering the best quality meat and fish products to people and pets throughout North America.”
18 Below is a 2nd generation private Fort Worth, Texas based USDA Inspected kitchen making quality ground beef & hamburger patties for restaurants and grocery stores for the past 65 years.
“When we decided to get into the pet industry 11 years ago, our friends at PureBites were one of our first customers. There are not many privately held leading pet food and treat companies left, and their obsession with using high-quality, human grade ingredients in their minimally processed treats, food and toppers fit perfectly with our vision” says Paul Wehba, owner & CEO of 18 Below. “We are so happy to be joining the PureBites family as our 80-member team will be transitioning from one 2nd generation private company to another.”
As part of the acquisition, Paul Wehba will stay on to head the operations at the Fort Worth kitchen as will his entire management team. “Paul and his team have built a great business” says Cathcart. “We will continue to service the great customer base Paul has created while ensuring that PureBites RAW freeze dried treats, food, and toppers are made in our own human grade kitchen and available to pet parents throughout North America and the world.” The acquisition offers a range of benefits for PureBites and its customers. By integrating 18 Below’s expertise, PureBites will be able to expand its product line and capacity, meeting the growing demand of pet parents who are looking for RAW freeze dried pet treats, food, and toppers made with simple high-quality ingredients they can trust.
Norton Rose Fullbright provided legal counsel to PureBites and Greenberg Traurig LLP provided legal counsel to 18 Below. Birdseye Advisory Group served as financial representative to 18 Below.
About Pure Treats Inc.
Founded in 2005 and based outside of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Pure Treats Inc. is a leader in natural dog & cat treats, food, and toppers with their PureBites and PureSnacks brands. Focused on its core principle of asking Pet Parents to look at their natural & pure ingredients, Pure Treats is building a loyal following of furry loved ones who are crazy about their nutrient rich treats, food, and toppers. Pure Treats products are available online and in-store at leading retailers throughout North America as well as thousands of neighborhood pet stores.
About Bar W Foods and Eighteen
Below Partners, LLC
Founded in 1959 in Fort Worth, Texas, USA, Bar W Foods & 18 Below Partners LLC have been running a state-of-the-art kitchen, servicing human and pet food customers across North America from their USDA-inspected, APHIS-approved, and SQF-certified facility.
