Online firm's customer base will grow to 500,000.
Online cat and dog wellbeing firm Paws Holdings Ltd (Paws) has acquired the online pet food store, fetch.co.uk (Fetch) owned by Ocado Retail.
Paws, which trades in the UK and Europe under the Pet-Supermarket.co.uk, PetMeds.co.uk and Medicanimal.com brands, said the acquisition forms part of its strategy to become 'the number one dog and cat wellbeing business'.
The acquisition, of which the terms have not been disclosed, will see Paws' customer base grow to 500,000, with a combined pro forma turnover in excess of £55m.
Graham Coxell, chairman of Paws Holdings Ltd, commented: “Given the last year, it has become more obvious than ever the positive role that our pets play in supporting our wellbeing.
“The UK in particular is known to be a nation of dog and cat lovers, and we know that our customers are looking for a friendly, well-informed online community that will allow them to offer the best nutrition, healthcare and advice they can find.”
Mel Smith, CEO of Ocado Retail Ltd said: “While today’s announcement marks the end of our involvement with Fetch, a part of Ocado since 2014, we are delighted it is joining the PAWS family. We believe they will be the best long-term owner of Fetch and are impressed by the scale of ambition at PAWS as it seeks to scale its business.”
Image (C) Paws Holdings Ltd.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
