Whitebridge Pet Brands

Whitebridge is owned by NXMH, a Brussels-based investment firm that represents the Van der Straten family. NXMH acquired Whitebridge from Chicago-based private equity firm Frontenac and other co-investors in a transaction announced in February 2022. NXMH manages permanent capital and does not operate on a traditional fund lifecycle, which suggests a long-hold posture toward Whitebridge.

The portfolio is built around three core brands: Tiki Pets (protein-forward wet and dry cat and dog foods), Cloud Star (natural treats), and Schesir (Italian-made wet foods and treats distributed in over 60 countries). Schesir was integrated through the 2018 acquisition of Agras Pet Foods and represents the firm's European manufacturing and luxury-tier brand positioning.

Whitebridge operates its own manufacturing plants in St. Louis, Missouri and Dronero, Italy. This is unusual for a company of its size — most mid-market pet-food firms rely heavily on third-party co-packers. Owning both facilities gives Whitebridge control over sourcing, quality, and the ability to run distinct brand narratives (US-made natural vs Italian-made premium) under a single corporate structure.

In North America, Whitebridge sells through independent pet specialty retailers, national chains, and its own direct-to-consumer e-commerce channel. The Schesir brand extends the footprint to more than 60 countries, with strength in European and Asian markets. The company's acquisition by NXMH is expected to further expand Schesir's reach using the buyer's existing European food-distribution relationships.

Whitebridge emphasizes high-protein, recognizable ingredients across its portfolio. Tiki Pets formulations use real fish, poultry, and organ meats as primary ingredients, while Schesir products are known for visible fruit pieces and hand-preparation methods at the Dronero facility. The company does not publicly detail its procurement chain, but its dual-plant structure allows it to source regionally for each manufacturing base.