PetHonesty Appoints Consumer Products Executive Richard Greenberg as CEO
AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- PetHonesty, a trusted leader in premium pet health products and a portfolio company of Vestar Capital Partners, today announced it has named consumer products executive Richard P. Greenberg as CEO effective February 14. PetHonesty founder and CEO Ben Arneberg will continue to serve as a Director on the Company's Board, and he and his family will retain their significant ongoing investment in the Company.
"Rich is an inspirational leader with a track record of achieving breakthrough results and driving organizational capability," said Jeffrey Ansell, PetHonesty Chairman and Vestar Senior Advisor. "I've seen the impact of Rich's leadership first-hand, and I'm confident his principle-based and inclusive leadership approach will enable the Company to achieve its next phase of exciting growth. I'd also like to thank Ben Arneberg for his tireless efforts launching and building PetHonesty into a high-growth, high-potential business. We look forward to his continued contributions as a Board member."
A more than 20-year CPG executive, Mr. Greenberg most recently served as Chief Commercial Officer of Sovos Brands, which launched its IPO in the fall of 2021. Sovos Brands includes leading brands Rao's Homemade, Noosa Yoghurt, Birch Benders, and Michael Angelo's. Prior to Sovos, he held key leadership positions in the household products sector, initially at the Sun Products Corporation, which was acquired by Henkel Consumer Goods in 2016, where Mr. Greenberg ultimately served as General Manager and Chief Customer Officer. Mr. Greenberg was recruited to Sun from Kellogg's Kashi Foods division. He currently serves on the Board of Vestar's Roland Foods, and he earned a bachelor's degree in business from Penn State University.
"I'm honored to join PetHonesty and serve as its next CEO as we build upon the Company's strong foundation at a time when the pet products industry is experiencing record growth and strong tailwinds," said Mr. Greenberg. "With the Company's leadership team, I look forward to partnering with Vestar and leveraging their industry relationships and resources as we drive the PetHonesty brand, launch meaningful innovation, and delight pets and pet parents with products that make a difference to pet health and well-being."
"Bringing Vestar on was a significant step in fueling PetHonesty's growth trajectory, and the addition of Rich will further accelerate the Company's strategic expansion plans," said Mr. Arneberg. "I'm proud of the innovative company we've built to address the needs of pets and pet parents, and am energized by the tremendous talent and resources we have been able to attract to help the Company unlock its enormous potential."
About PetHonesty
PetHonesty is a trusted leader in premium pet health products. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Austin, TX, the company provides a natural and noticeable boost to pet health through natural, science-backed products that demonstrate effectiveness pet parents can truly see. PetHonesty's products are formulated to help address a plethora of common pet ailments, including immobility, digestive issues, and allergies. The company's world-class customer service provides personalized guidance and education to help light the way to more joyful, healthy years for pets and pet parents. PetHonesty products are available via its website as well as through Amazon and Chewy. For more information, please visit www.pethonesty.com.
Vestar Capital Partners Promotes Three to Managing Director
NEW YORK, Jan. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Vestar Capital Partners, a leading U.S. middle-market private equity firm, today announced the promotions of Jake Olson, Diya Talwar, and Mike Vaupen to Managing Director.
"Jake, Diya, and Mike have played integral roles in Vestar's success, both on the investment side and within the firm," said Dan O'Connell, Founder and CEO of Vestar. "Vestar had an active 2021, investing in five new platform companies, among other accomplishments. We expect this momentum to continue into the new year, with our new Managing Directors helping to lead this activity. On behalf of the firm, we congratulate Jake, Diya, and Mike on their well-deserved promotions."
Mr. Olson is a member of Vestar's Business & Technology Services team and serves as a Director on the Board of Stratus, a Vestar portfolio company. Prior to joining Vestar, he was a Vice President at Tailwind Capital, and began his career at Lehman Brothers and Barclays Capital. Mr. Olson holds a BA from Columbia College, Columbia University, and an MBA from Columbia Business School.
Ms. Talwar is a member of Vestar's Consumer team and serves as a Director on the Boards of Dr. Praeger's and PetHonesty, Vestar portfolio companies. Prior to joining Vestar, she served as SVP, Business Development & Strategy at High Ridge Brands, a private equity-backed personal care company. Previously, Ms. Talwar served as VP, Corporate Development at Jarden Corporation, a publicly traded Fortune 500 diversified consumer products company where she spent 10 years involved in the completion of over 30 acquisitions. She began her career in investment banking at Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein and Banc of America Securities, and holds a BS in Economics from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Vaupen is a member of Vestar's Healthcare team and serves as a Director on the Board of Quest Analytics, a Vestar portfolio company. Prior to joining Vestar, he was an investment professional at Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe, focused on healthcare technology and services investing. He previously worked at Pamplona Capital Management, where he helped to establish the firm's healthcare vertical, and prior to that, in the healthcare group at Oak Hill Capital Partners. He began his career in the investment banking division at Morgan Stanley. Mr. Vaupen holds a BS in Economics from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
About Vestar Capital Partners
Vestar Capital Partners is a leading U.S. middle-market private equity firm specializing in management buyouts and growth capital investments. Vestar invests and collaborates with incumbent management teams and private owners to build long-term enterprise value, with a focus on Consumer, Business & Technology Services and Healthcare. Since inception in 1988, Vestar funds have invested $11 billion in 88 companies – as well as more than 200 add-on acquisitions – with a total value of approximately $52 billion. For more information on Vestar, please visit www.vestarcapital.com.
PetHonesty Names Pet Industry Veteran Daniel Horner as Vice President of Sales
AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — PetHonesty, a trusted leader in premium pet health products and a portfolio company of Vestar Capital Partners, today announced it has named Daniel B. Horner as Vice President of Sales.
“We are pleased to welcome Dan to PetHonesty and are excited to gain an executive of such caliber,” said Ben Arneberg, PetHonesty CEO. “He has a proven ability to develop initiatives that lead to revenue growth. Dan’s reputation as a team player, combined with his relationships in the pet industry, will prove invaluable as we continue building a leading omnichannel brand in pet supplements.”
A 30-year pet industry veteran with a focus on pet consumables, Mr. Horner comes to PetHonesty after 15 years at Freshpet, where he was a founding member and most recently served as Vice President, Pet Channel, helping to scale the company across the globe. Prior to Freshpet, Mr. Horner held multifunctional roles at The Meow Mix Company and Ralston Purina. He holds a B.S. in Business Communications from DePauw University.
“I am delighted to join this thriving company that is dedicated to improving the lives of pets through science-backed, natural products,” said Mr. Horner. “I look forward to being part of the PetHonesty team as we focus on providing many healthy, joyful years of companionship to pet parents across the country.”
About PetHonesty
PetHonesty is a trusted leader in premium pet health products. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Austin, TX, the company provides a natural and noticeable boost to pet health through natural, science-backed products that demonstrate effectiveness pet parents can truly see. PetHonesty’s products are formulated to help address a plethora of common pet ailments, including immobility, digestive issues, and allergies. The company’s world-class customer service provides personalized guidance and education to help light the way to more joyful, healthy years for pets and pet parents. PetHonesty products are available via its website as well as through Amazon and Chewy. For more information, please visit www.pethonesty.com.
About Vestar Capital Partners
Vestar Capital Partners is a leading U.S. middle-market private equity firm specializing in management buyouts and growth capital investments. Vestar invests and collaborates with incumbent management teams and private owners to build long-term enterprise value, with a focus on Consumer, Business & Technology Services and Healthcare. Since its founding in 1988, Vestar funds have invested $11 billion in 88 companies – as well as more than 200 add-on acquisitions – with a total value of approximately $52 billion. For more information on Vestar, please visit www.vestarcapital.com.
Media Contact:
Lambert & Co.
Jennifer Hurson
845-507-0571
[email protected]
or
Caroline Luz
203-656-2829
[email protected]
SOURCE: PetHonesty
Related Links
PetHonesty Appoints Dr. Greg Reinhart as Vice President of Research and Development
AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — PetHonesty, a trusted leader in premium pet health products and a portfolio company of Vestar Capital Partners, today announced the addition of Greg Reinhart, PhD, to its executive team as Vice President of Research and Development.
Dr. Reinhart joins PetHonesty from General Mills, where he spent the last five years as Senior Vice President of Research and Development for the Blue Buffalo pet food brands. His previous experience spans 17 years at the Iams Company and Procter & Gamble Pet Care, including serving seven years as the Vice President of Strategic Research and Communication. He also held other positions of increasing responsibility in Research & Development within the company.
"Dr. Reinhart's expertise in pet health is unparalleled, and we are extremely excited for the elevated level of sophistication he brings to our product development initiatives," said Ben Arneberg, CEO of PetHonesty. "In addition to strengthening our Research & Development team, Dr. Reinhart's wealth of knowledge in pet nutrition uniquely positions PetHonesty to bring world-class education and guidance to pet parents around the world."
Dr. Reinhart is the author of over 250 scientific publications and 14 patents, and he is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science, his Master of Science degree in Non-Ruminant Nutrition (Animal Science), and his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Nutritional Biochemistry (Animal Science) all from The Ohio State University. In 2014, Ohio State inducted Dr. Reinhart into the Animal Sciences Hall of Fame for his leadership in the animal nutrition sector and his efforts to combat human malnutrition.
"I am thrilled to be joining the PetHonesty team," said Dr. Reinhart. "The company's commitment to providing a natural and noticeable boost to pet health is inspiring, and I'm excited to help develop new products that will allow pet parents to enjoy more joyful, healthy years with their pets."
About PetHonesty
PetHonesty is a trusted leader in premium pet health products. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Austin, TX, the company provides a natural and noticeable boost to pet health through natural, science-backed products that demonstrate effectiveness pet parents can truly see. PetHonesty's products are formulated to help address a plethora of common pet ailments, including immobility, digestive issues, and allergies. The company's world-class customer service provides personalized guidance and education to help light the way to more joyful, healthy years for pets and pet parents. PetHonesty products are available via its website as well as through Amazon and Chewy. For more information, please visit www.pethonesty.com.
Media Contact:
Lambert & Co.
Jennifer Hurson
845-507-0571
[email protected]
or
Caroline Luz
203-656-2829
[email protected]
SOURCE: PetHonesty
Related Links
Vestar Capital Partners Named to Inc.'s 2021 List of Founder-Friendly Investors
NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Vestar Capital Partners, a leading U.S. private equity firm, today announced that it has been named to Inc.'s third annual Founder-Friendly Investors list, honoring the private equity and venture capital firms with the best track record of success backing entrepreneurs.
The list recognizes firms that entrepreneurs can trust and collaborate with while receiving the financial and strategic support they need to help accelerate growth.
"We founded Vestar on the principle that partnership with great founders and management teams is the cornerstone of any successful investment; for more than 30 years, this approach has led to exceptional outcomes for our companies and investors," said Dan O'Connell, Founder and CEO of Vestar. "In fact, over half of the investments in our two most recent funds are founder- or family-led businesses. We thank Inc. for recognizing Vestar's commitment to this style of investing, and we look forward to building steadfast partnerships with founders and entrepreneurs in the future."
Vestar has invested nearly $3 billion in more than 25 founder- and family-owned companies since its founding in 1988. Vestar's current portfolio consists of 10 founder-led businesses, including four 2021 investments – Dr. Praeger's Purely Sensible Foods, Stratus, PetHonesty and Friday Health Plans.
"Supporting an entrepreneur's vision and driving growth is more than just a financial investment. It's about building a relationship and supporting the founders beyond that initial year. These private equity firms treat the founders like partners," said Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. media.
Contact:
Lambert & Co.
Jennifer Hurson
(845) 507-0571
[email protected]
Caroline Luz
(203) 656-2829
[email protected]
Vestar Portfolio Company, Stratus, Acquires Chicago-Based MLE
Cleveland, OH – September 28, 2021 – Stratus, a leading facilities services and brand implementation services firm, today announced the acquisition of Chicago area-based MLE Brand Services, creating a $325+ million company with nearly 850 employees throughout the United States. The newly combined Stratus and MLE facilities service offerings cover the full brand lifecycle, including interior and exterior signage, refresh and remodel construction, repair and maintenance, and energy services. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Stratus, founded in 1931, has tripled its revenue since 2017 through strategic growth initiatives with its long-term customers in the retail, healthcare, financial, restaurant, hospitality, and convenience-store sectors, as well as through multiple acquisitions. The Stratus client roster includes blue-chip brands like Bank of America, Chase, CVS, Lowe’s, McDonald’s, Target, The Home Depot, and Walgreens. MLE’s reputation, expertise and production capabilities in interior branding, brand installation, and brand rollout warehousing and logistics significantly enhances Stratus’ brand implementation services portfolio, while further expanding its multi-solution facilities services offering.
“MLE and Stratus both have stellar reputations for service, quality, and brand partnership, so this acquisition is a natural next step,” noted Tim Eippert, CEO, Stratus. “Our capabilities are highly complementary, and by joining forces we’ll be able to provide a more holistic offering to our combined client base.”
MLE was founded in 2002 by Mike Loftus, who grew the company to over 130 employees in the Chicago area by building strong relationships with blue-chip customers. The MLE management team will remain intact, and Mr. Loftus will join the Stratus Executive Leadership Team led by Mr. Eippert, effective immediately. “Together, Stratus and MLE will provide superior and seamless end-to-end in-house service offerings, with our clients at the center of everything we do,” said Mr. Loftus.
Headquartered in Mentor, Ohio, Stratus has operations centers in Illinois, Ohio, Florida and New Jersey, and manufacturing facilities in Illinois and South Carolina. Stratus is a portfolio company of Vestar Capital Partners.
About Stratus
Stratus is a leading brand implementation and facilities services company offering signage solutions, energy services, repair and maintenance programs, and refresh and remodel capabilities across 50 states and 24 countries. With more than 50,000 projects completed annually, the Company provides versatile solutions for some of the world’s largest and most recognized brands. For more information, please visit www.stratusunlimited.com.
About Vestar Capital Partners
Vestar Capital Partners is a leading U.S. middle-market private equity firm specializing in management buyouts and growth capital investments. Vestar invests and collaborates with incumbent management teams and private owners to build long-term enterprise value, with a focus on Business & Technology Services, Consumer, and Healthcare. Since its founding in 1988, Vestar funds have invested $11 billion in 88 companies – as well as more than 200 add-on acquisitions – with a total value of over $50 billion. For more information on Vestar, please visit www.vestarcapital.com.
Michael Vaupen Joins Vestar Capital Partners
NEW YORK, NY – September 14, 2021 - Vestar Capital Partners (“Vestar”), a leading middle-market private equity firm, today announced that Michael Vaupen has joined the firm as a Principal and senior member of its healthcare team, focusing on healthcare technology and services. Mr. Vaupen will be responsible for all aspects of the investment lifecycle, from deal sourcing to portfolio company management, and will play a key leadership role in the Firm’s healthcare practice.
“Mike has deep experience in healthcare technology investing, which aligns perfectly with Vestar’s investment focus, and we are confident that he’ll have an immediate impact at the firm,” said Norm Alpert, Co-President and head of Healthcare at Vestar. “As patients, providers, and payers all look to use technology to make more informed decisions on the cost and quality of care, healthcare technology is playing an increasingly important role. We look forward to Mike’s contributions as we identify and partner with innovative companies in this rapidly evolving space.”
Mr. Vaupen joins Vestar from Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe, where he focused on healthcare technology and services investing. Prior to that, Mr. Vaupen was an investment professional at Pamplona Capital Management, where he helped establish the private equity firm’s healthcare vertical, and in the healthcare group at Oak Hill Capital Partners. He began his career in the healthcare investment banking group at Morgan Stanley. Mr. Vaupen earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and received his MBA from Harvard Business School.
“I am thrilled to join the Vestar team given the firm’s long history of successful healthcare investing,” said Mr. Vaupen. “I look forward to partnering with my colleagues and our portfolio company management teams as we look to creatively deliver value and capitalize on strong healthcare technology industry tailwinds.”
Vestar Capital Partners Promotes Ian Singleton To Vice President
NEW YORK, NY – September 7, 2021 - Vestar Capital Partners, a leading U.S. private equity firm, announced today it has promoted Ian Singleton to Vice President.
"Ian is an invaluable member of the team and has taken an active role across many of our consumer and business & technology services-focused investments," said Dan O'Connell, Founder and CEO of Vestar. "We congratulate Ian and look forward to his increasing contribution as the firm grows and moves forward."
Ian joined Vestar in 2019, having previously worked as at Ares Management in their U.S. Direct Lending Group. He began his career in the Financial Sponsors Group at Citigroup. Ian graduated magna cum laude from Duke University with a B.A. in Psychology, a minor in Economics, and a certificate in Markets and Management Studies.
Mercury Healthcare Launches as the New Brand for Healthgrades Enterprise Software, Technology and Data Analytics Company, Formerly Known as Healthgrades
DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mercury Healthcare, the new brand for the separate enterprise-wide software, technology and data platform for health systems formerly known as Healthgrades, has announced its new name, as well as the sale of Healthgrades.com to Red Ventures.
Going forward, Mercury Healthcare will focus on its software and data as a service technology that leverages advanced analytics and insights from patient and provider data, to build a connected consumer experience across all physical and digital touchpoints for the nation’s health systems. Mercury Healthcare is built on the strength of 30 years’ experience serving the healthcare community with a bold vision: to enable a seamless healthcare experience, creating meaningful outcomes for providers and patients.
“For Mercury Healthcare, and our 1,000 hospital customers, the transaction represents a significant opportunity to solely focus our value proposition to applying data driven solutions to drive intelligent consumer and provider engagement, and expedite the Mercury Healthcare technology roadmap, so we can continue to deliver important innovations for the nation’s health systems,” said Jovan Wilford, CEO, Mercury Healthcare. “We believe that Mercury Healthcare has the potential to improve the patient experience across the patient journey, and lead to better health outcomes.”
Healthgrades is the leading online marketplace to find and connect with the right doctor, the right hospital, and the right care. With profiles on virtually every physician and allied health professional in the U.S., Healthgrades.com provides the most accurate, comprehensive healthcare provider information to help consumers differentiate providers on the basis of patient satisfaction, physician experience and hospital outcomes.
“Today’s announcement will enable both businesses to fully realize the potential inherent in each and maximize opportunities for the future,” said Norm Alpert, chairman of Healthgrades and co-president, Vestar Capital Partners. “We are pleased that Healthgrades.com, the media business, will enter into its next phase of growth as part of RV Health and are enthusiastic about Mercury Healthcare, the enterprise software business, to address what we believe is a significant market opportunity with a leadership team focused exclusively on the unique needs of the business.”
Goldman Sachs and Piper Sandler acted as financial advisors and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to Mercury Healthcare. King & Spalding LLP acted as legal advisor to Red Ventures.
For more information, please visit: www.mercuryhealthcare.com.
About Mercury Healthcare
Mercury Healthcare is a technology and data analytics company that empowers healthcare organizations to engage consumers and optimize provider relationships to accelerate growth. Our customers benefit from 30 years’ experience applying data analytics to drive intelligent engagement and enable personalized healthcare journeys. At Mercury Healthcare, we help healthcare organizations create seamless consumer experiences and improve outcomes to build healthier communities.
Contacts
Jennifer Newman
[email protected]
Mercury Healthcare Sells Healthgrades.com to RV Health
CHARLOTTE, NC and DENVER, CO – August 4, 2021 – RV Health, a Red Ventures business, has acquired Healthgrades.com from Mercury Healthcare, the new brand for the separate enterprise-wide technology and data platform for health systems formerly known as Healthgrades. Healthgrades.com is the leading online marketplace to find and connect with the right doctor, the right hospital and the right care. Half of all Americans who visit a doctor this year will visit Healthgrades.com as part of their healthcare journey.
RV Health’s portfolio also includes Healthline Media, the #1 digital health property with 92MM unique monthly visitors according to the latest Comscore rankings, and its brands Healthline.com, MedicalNewsToday.com, PsychCentral.com and Greatist.com. In the two years since Red Ventures acquired Healthline Media, its revenue and audience have both grown over 50%. Together, RV Health is the world’s largest digital health platform, with a global monthly audience of more than 275 million, according to Google Analytics.
“People are demanding digital health solutions they can trust,” said RV Health CEO Jeff Hallock. “With the addition of Healthgrades.com, RV Health now has the industry’s leading digital health platform. Bringing the leading healthcare marketplace together alongside the world’s largest health information property, we are transforming the online health journey - from seeking health information online to finding the care they deserve.”
This acquisition advances Red Ventures' mission to help people discover and decide on the most important aspects of their lives by adding healthcare provider selection to its mix of financial services, health information, media and technology, travel, education and entertainment.
“There’s nothing more personal than health,” said Red Ventures co-founder and CEO Ric Elias. “Every American should be able to easily find the right healthcare provider when they need it. By pairing Red Ventures’ trusted content with Healthgrades.com’s deep healthcare provider insights, we can fundamentally improve the process of finding care and ultimately, helping people take charge of their health.”
With the sale of Healthgrades.com, Mercury Healthcare will focus on its software and data as a service technology that leverages advanced analytics and insights from patient and provider data, to create a seamless experience across all physical and digital touchpoints for the nation’s health systems, ultimately leading to better outcomes.
“This represents the culmination of a two-year strategy focused on building, then separating, two highly successful, but ultimately different businesses – our marketplace business and our technology business—each with enormous opportunities,” said Jovan Willford, CEO, Mercury Healthcare. “Red Ventures is a terrific new home for Healthgrades.com, and I’m excited about the future of Mercury Healthcare, the only data-enabled company that helps providers engage consumers, improve physician relationships and deploy informatics to motivate target populations.”
There are no layoffs as a result of the RV Health acquisition. More than 200 Healthgrades.com employees will join Red Ventures’ larger team of more than 4,500 employees worldwide. The Healthgrades.com leadership team will remain intact, and the team will continue to be based primarily in Denver and Atlanta.
Healthgrades.com, along with the recent additions of CNET Media Group and Lonely Planet, expands Red Ventures’ ability to pair trusted brands and premium content with best-in-class online marketplaces and deep digital insights to help consumers discover and decide across a variety of industries.
Goldman Sachs and Piper Sandler acted as financial advisors and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to Mercury Healthcare. King & Spalding LLP acted as legal advisor to Red Ventures.
About RV Health
RV Health is a Red Ventures business that helps more than 90MM unique visitors monthly live their strongest and healthiest lives. The RV Health portfolio includes Healthline.com, Healthgrades.com, MedicalNewsToday.com, Greatist.com, and PsychCentral.com. RV Health has the largest consumer health and wellness audience online, and employs more than 500 people across San Francisco, New York City, Charlotte, Detroit and more.
About Red Ventures
Over the last twenty years, Red Ventures has built a platform of businesses, trusted brands, proprietary technology and strategic partnerships that work together to connect millions of people with expert advice. Through premium content and personalized digital experiences, Red Ventures builds online journeys that make it easier for people to make important decisions about their homes, health, travel, finances, education and entertainment. Founded in 2000, Red Ventures spans 5 continents and employs more than 4,500 people. Red Ventures owns and operates several large digital brands including CNET, Healthline Media, The Points Guy, Bankrate and Allconnect.com.
For more information, visit https://redventures.com and follow @RedVentures on social platforms.
About Mercury Healthcare
Mercury Healthcare is a technology and data analytics company that empowers healthcare organizations to engage consumers and optimize provider relationships to accelerate growth. Our customers benefit from 30 years’ experience applying data analytics to drive intelligent engagement and enable personalized healthcare journeys. At Mercury Healthcare, we help healthcare organizations create seamless consumer experiences and improve outcomes to build healthier communities.
Media Contact:
Steve Swasey
Vice President, Communications, RV Health
[email protected]
Jennifer Newman
Mercury Healthcare
[email protected]
Ami Shukla
Director, Communications, Red Ventures
[email protected]