News Article

UK on-line retailer PetPlanet.co.uk has announced the completion of a deal to purchase the Coventry based Petz.co.uk site.

The e-commerce site Petz.co.uk, was one of the earliest B2C pet sites to be established in the UK but did not have sufficient resources to maximise its potential as a stand-alone operation.

PetPlanet reports that the merging of the two e-commerce operations is expected to yield substantial cost benefits and improved customer service and choice.

Whilst the Petz.co.uk site will remain in existence, most of the shopping departments have already been switched to PetPlanet's more sophisticated shopping system.

Aquatic products will remain on sale in the Petz.co.uk site until the new aquatics department goes live on the PetPlanet site in around 6 weeks' time.

Of the acquisition, Jim McFarlane, a partner of PetPlanet.co.uk commented:

"We are delighted to have successfully completed this acquisition. Peter Martin of Petz.co.uk has been extremely co-operative throughout the process and we are confident that, with the new combined site, we will be able to deliver even better choice, service and value to both PetPlanet and Petz customers."

PetPlanet is increasingly dealing directly with manufacturers and importing niche and innovative products directly from North America via a sister company based in the USA. The company expects to add a further 500-1000 new SKUs following the upcoming Backer show which will be held in Chicago later this month.

PetPlanet is a privately held business headquartered in Livingston, Scotland. Since its founding in mid-1999 it has fulfilled all orders out of their Livingston facility.