Who Owns Petco Health and Wellness Company Company?

Petco Health and Wellness Company Bundle

Get Full Bundle:

	BCG	$15	$10
	5 FORCES	$15	$10
	CANVAS	$15	$10
	4P's MIX	$15	$10
	PESTLE	$15	$10
	SWOT	$15	$10

TOTAL:

ADD TO CART

Who owns Petco Health and Wellness Company?

Understanding Petco Health and Wellness Company's ownership is key to grasping its strategic path and accountability. A significant moment was its January 2021 IPO, valuing the company at $6.4 billion and signaling its return to public markets.

Petco, now officially Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc., has a history dating back to 1965. Its journey from a mail-order business to a major pet care provider reflects evolving ownership structures.

The current ownership of Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. is primarily distributed among institutional investors, mutual funds, and individual public shareholders following its 2021 IPO. Major institutional holders, such as Vanguard Group Inc. and BlackRock Inc., collectively manage a significant portion of the company's outstanding shares. For a deeper look at its market position, consider the Petco Health and Wellness Company BCG Matrix.

The journey of Petco Health and Wellness Company began in 1965 when Walter Evans, alongside five associates, established United Pharmacal Company (UPCO) in San Diego County, California. Initially a mail-order veterinary supply business, UPCO gradually expanded its offerings to include pet food and supplies, eventually opening its first retail store in 1976.

Founding of UPCO

Walter Evans founded United Pharmacal Company (UPCO) in 1965, focusing initially on mail-order veterinary supplies.

First Retail Store

The company's first physical retail location opened its doors in La Mesa, California, in 1976.

Rebranding to Petco

In 1979, UPCO was rebranded as Petco, marking a significant step in its evolution.

Early Expansion

The first Petco store outside California opened in Tigard, Oregon, in 1980, signaling broader geographical ambitions.

Strategic Acquisitions

In 1988, Petco significantly increased its store count by acquiring Wellpet, Inc. and The Pet Department, more than tripling its footprint.

Shift to Private Equity

By 1988, Petco transitioned to institutional ownership when it was acquired by The Spectrum Group, Inc. and the Thomas H. Lee Company.

The early years of Petco were characterized by strategic growth, including acquisitions and a pivot towards premium pet food brands in the mid-1980s. By 1988, the company's ownership shifted from its founders to private equity firms, The Spectrum Group, Inc. and the Thomas H. Lee Company. Facing financial challenges due to heavy debt by 1990, Brian K. Devine was appointed president and CEO to steer the company through a turnaround, focusing on enhancing its merchandise and integrating acquired stores under a unified brand, reflecting the company's evolving Mission, Vision & Core Values of Petco Health and Wellness Company.

Key Milestones in Petco's Early Ownership

Petco's initial phase saw a transition from founder-led operations to significant private equity involvement, shaping its strategic direction and financial structure.

• Founded as United Pharmacal Company (UPCO) in 1965 by Walter Evans.
• Opened its first retail store in 1976.
• Rebranded as Petco in 1979.
• Acquired two West Coast chains in 1988, significantly expanding its store base.
• Acquired by private equity firms The Spectrum Group, Inc. and the Thomas H. Lee Company in 1988.
• Brian K. Devine appointed president and CEO in 1990 to manage debt and implement a turnaround strategy.

Petco Health and Wellness Company SWOT Analysis

• Complete SWOT Breakdown
• Fully Customizable
• Editable in Excel & Word
• Professional Formatting
• Investor-Ready Format

GET TEMPLATE ➔

Petco's journey has seen significant shifts between private and public ownership, impacting its trajectory. The company's initial public offering in 1994 marked its entry into the stock market, but subsequent leveraged buyouts and acquisitions by private equity firms reshaped its ownership structure multiple times before its most recent return to public trading.

The current ownership landscape of Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. is largely influenced by institutional investors and the private equity firms that facilitated its most recent public offering. These major stakeholders play a crucial role in shaping the company's strategic direction and financial performance.

Key Stakeholders in Petco's Ownership

As of March 31, 2025, a significant portion of Petco's shares are held by a few dominant entities, indicating concentrated ownership. This concentration can influence corporate governance and strategic decisions.

• CVC Management Holdings II Ltd. holds 60.50% of the company's shares.
• Canada Pension Plan Investment Board owns 24.78% of the outstanding shares.
• BlackRock, Inc. is another significant institutional investor, holding 3.48%.
• The Vanguard Group, Inc. possesses 3.12% of the company's stock.
• Scooby Aggregator LP, representing the sponsors CVC Capital Partners and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, held 65.85% as of May 12, 2025.

Understanding who owns Petco is essential for grasping its market position and future outlook. The history of Petco ownership reveals a dynamic interplay between public markets and private equity, with the latter often playing a pivotal role in the company's transformations. For instance, the Growth Strategy of Petco Health and Wellness Company is likely influenced by the long-term objectives of its major shareholders. As of March 30, 2025, other notable shareholders include Morgan Stanley with 2.32% and Dimensional Fund Advisors LP with 2.21%.

Petco Health and Wellness Company PESTLE Analysis

• Covers All 6 PESTLE Categories
• No Research Needed – Save Hours of Work
• Built by Experts, Trusted by Consultants
• Instant Download, Ready to Use
• 100% Editable, Fully Customizable

GET TEMPLATE ➔

The current board of directors for Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. is comprised of individuals representing both major shareholders and independent expertise. Key decisions regarding the company's direction and governance are made by this group, with recent shareholder meetings focusing on director elections and executive compensation.

Petco's voting power is structured through different classes of common stock, influencing control over company matters. Class A and Class B-1 common stock holders generally have one vote per share on most proposals. However, Class B-2 common stock holders possess voting rights exclusively for the election of Class II directors. The primary controlling entity is Scooby Aggregator, LP, which holds significant stakes in both Class A and Class B-1 shares, thereby wielding substantial influence over Petco's strategic decisions and board composition. Recent leadership changes, including Joel Anderson assuming the CEO role on July 29, 2024, highlight the company's ongoing strategic realignments.

Understanding Petco's Voting Structure

Petco Health and Wellness Company utilizes a multi-class share structure that significantly impacts voting power. This structure is designed to concentrate control with specific shareholders.

• Class A common stock: Full voting rights on all matters.
• Class B-1 common stock: One vote per share, except for Class II director elections.
• Class B-2 common stock: Voting rights only for Class II directors.
• Scooby Aggregator, LP: A major shareholder exercising control through its holdings.
• The Marketing Strategy of Petco Health and Wellness Company is influenced by this ownership structure.

Petco Health and Wellness Company Business Model Canvas

• Complete 9-Block Business Model Canvas
• Effortlessly Communicate Your Business Strategy
• Investor-Ready BMC Format
• 100% Editable and Customizable
• Clear and Structured Layout

GET TEMPLATE ➔

Recent developments in Petco Health and Wellness Company's ownership profile show a strong continuation of institutional investment following its 2021 IPO. As of March 31, 2025, institutional investors held a substantial 128.68% of the company's total shares outstanding, indicating significant backing from large financial entities.

The company has also experienced notable leadership transitions. Ron Coughlin departed as CEO, Chairman, and a board member in March 2024. R. Michael Mohan was appointed as Interim CEO, and Joel Anderson took over as CEO on July 29, 2024. In May 2024, an executive leadership team evolution was announced to streamline decision-making processes.

Financial Performance Snapshot

For the full year 2024, net revenue reached $6.1 billion, with a GAAP net loss of $101.8 million. The first quarter of 2025 reported net revenue of $1.5 billion and a GAAP net loss of $13.8 million.

Future Outlook and Cost Savings

The company anticipates double-digit adjusted EBITDA growth in 2025, projecting full-year adjusted EBITDA between $375 million and $390 million. Cost-saving initiatives are a key focus, with targets of $40 million in 2024 and $150 million by the end of 2025.

Understanding Petco Ownership Trends

The high percentage of institutional ownership suggests that large investment firms play a significant role in the company's direction. Understanding the Target Market of Petco Health and Wellness Company can provide further context on how these ownership trends might influence business strategies.

Key Shareholders and Control

While CVC Management Holdings II Ltd. and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board maintained control post-IPO, other major shareholders like BlackRock and Vanguard are also influential. These large shareholders are critical in shaping Petco's strategic decisions and overall market performance.

Petco Health and Wellness Company Porter's Five Forces Analysis

• Covers All 5 Competitive Forces in Detail
• Structured for Consultants, Students, and Founders
• 100% Editable in Microsoft Word & Excel
• Instant Digital Download – Use Immediately
• Compatible with Mac & PC – Fully Unlocked

GET TEMPLATE ➔