Encore Consumer Capital, a private equity firm that invests exclusively in leading consumer products companies, has completed the sale of its portfolio company, Zuke's LLC, a leading marketer of premium dog and cat treats, to Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, the pet care division of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A.

Scott Sellers, managing director of Encore Consumer Capital, said, "Encore is thrilled to have been a part of developing Zuke's into a leading brand of premium pet treats in the pet specialty channel. While we will miss working with the incredible management team at Zuke's, we are excited that Zuke's will continue to offer the highest-quality pet treats under the stewardship of a trusted organization like Nestlé Purina PetCare."

Zuke's founder Patrick Meiering spoke about working with Encore. "I could not have asked for a better partner than Encore to help take Zuke's to the next level. Encore helped recruit world-class management and sales talent to drive the growth of the Zuke's brand while staying true to Zuke's mission of fostering active and healthy devotion between people and pets." Zuke's President John Hart added, "I joined Zuke's in 2010 because I saw an opportunity for Zuke's to become the premier premium pet treat brand and to work with a partner like Encore that understands the pet industry and would give me the resources and strategic guidance to succeed. I couldn't be happier with the outcome."

Zuke's was founded in 1995 on the realization that pets need healthy treats just as much as people do. Named after founder Patrick Meiering's loving chocolate lab, Zuke, the company is dedicated to creating tasty, healthful, treats and chews that meet the unique nutritional needs of dogs and cats to keep them performing at their best. Zuke's is based in Durango, Colorado.

Cascadia Capital LLC acted as financial advisor for Zuke's and Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP acted as legal counsel.

About Encore Consumer Capital

Encore Consumer Capital is a San Francisco-based private equity investment firm focused on the consumer products industry. The firm has raised nearly $400 million in equity capital and invested in 16 companies. Encore's current and prior investments include high-growth food companies (Aidells Sausage Company, Mesa Foods, Ciao Bella Gelato Company, The Quinoa Corporation, Brownie Brittle), beverage companies (The Isopure Company, Juice Tyme), personal care products companies (MyChelle Dermaceuticals, Tarte), and pet products companies (ThunderWorks, Zuke's). The firm targets companies with between $10 million and $100 million in annual revenues where Encore's strong operating expertise in strategy development, brand marketing, and distribution expansion can help drive performance. For more information please visit www.EncoreConsumerCapital.com.

Encore Consumer Capital
Raigan Enfield, 415-296-9850
raigan@encoreconsumercapital.com