RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Harris Williams, a global investment bank specializing in mergers and acquisitions advisory services, announced that it is Cosmic Pet, a portfolio company of Guardian Capital Partners (Guardian) Sold to Platinum Equity for consulting. Cosmic Pet, a leading designer, marketer and distributor of pet products, including toys, beds, collars and leashes, snacks, feeders and bowls, and other accessories, will merge with Platinum Equity's portfolio company Petmate. Petmate manufactures, purchases and sells a diverse product line, including plastic and wire pet kennels, dog houses, toys, food storage, bedding, snacks and chews, and other pet-related products and accessories. The transaction was led by Ryan Badron, John Noena, Zach England, Bernardo Villa and Ye Jun of Harris Williams Consumer Group.

"Cosmic Pet's wide variety of interesting and innovative pet products, as well as its commitment to quality and safety, make it a mainstay in the homes of millions of pet parents across the country," Harris Williams managing director Ryan Badron Say.

Zach England, director of Harris Williams, added: “The pet sector has proven to be a strong and resilient industry. Investors strongly hope to seek assets with long-term growth momentum, such as Cosmic Pet.” The teams of Cosmic Pet, Guardian and Platinum Equity work together, and we look forward to seeing Cosmic Pet continue to flourish as part of the Petmate family."

Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, Cosmic Pet is a leading innovator in pet toys, chews and snacks. Cosmic Pet is launched to the market with a high-profile brand and has won multiple industry awards in product development and design. In addition, the company designs and sells high-quality pet hard goods and consumables across multiple channels under the following brands: Hyper Pet, OurPet's, Pet Zone, Pet Fusion, Aussie Naturals, Wild Eats, Pet Craft Supply Co, Ultra Paws, Mad Cat, Mega Mutt and other private brands.

Guardian is a private equity firm located in the suburbs of Philadelphia that invests in consumer products, niche manufacturing and professional services companies in the low-end market. Guardian works with the management team to provide equity capital to promote the development of the family business. The Guardian team's private equity experience and complementary skill sets provide a unique combination of operational and financial capabilities, thereby bringing execution certainty and meaningful long-term value creation to its portfolio companies.

Founded by Tom Gores in 1995, Platinum Equity is a global investment company with more than $25 billion in assets under management, with about 50 operating companies, and providing services to customers around the world. The company is currently investing in Platinum Equity Capital Partners V, a global buyout fund worth US$10 billion, and Platinum Equity Small Cap Fund, a US$1.5 billion buyout fund that focuses on investment opportunities in the low-end market. Platinum Equity focuses on mergers, acquisitions and operations-a trademark strategy known as M&A&O-to acquire and operate companies in a wide range of commercial markets, including manufacturing, distribution, transportation and logistics, equipment leasing, metal services, media and Entertainment, technology, telecommunications and other industries. In the past 25 years, Platinum Equity has completed more than 300 acquisitions.

Petmate was founded in 1959 as Doskocil Manufacturing, Inc. at the time and is headquartered in Arlington, Texas. It is keen to provide interesting, trustworthy and high-quality products around the world to improve the lives of pets and their families. The company’s vision is to become a global leader in pet industry solutions and excellence, reflecting its commitment to provide award-winning innovative ideas for every product category every day, including bedding, kennel, kennel, feeding and watering Products, cat litter maintenance products, toys, collars, leads, travel, etc. Petmate's pet and family favorite brand portfolio includes Chuckit!, Pet Qwerks, Healthy Chews, Gamma2, JW and La-Z-Boy.

Harris Williams is an investment bank that specializes in mergers and acquisitions consulting services. It supports sellers and buyers of global companies through important milestones and provides thoughtful advice throughout their business lifecycle. Through cross-industry group and cross-regional cooperation as a company, the company helps its customers achieve results that support their goals and strategically create value. Harris Williams is committed to performing excellence and building lasting, valuable relationships based on mutual trust. Harris Williams is a subsidiary of PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC).

Harris Williams Consumer Group has completed transactions in multiple verticals, including branded consumer products; consumer services; food, beverage and agribusiness; and restaurants and retail. For more information about Harris Williams Consumer Group and recent transactions, please visit the Consumer Group section of the Harris Williams website.

Harris Williams LLC is a registered broker-dealer and a member of FINRA and SIPC. Harris Williams & Co. Ltd is a private limited company established under the laws of the United Kingdom. Its registered office is located at 8th Floor, 20 Farringdon Street, London EC4A 4AB, UK, registered in the Companies Registry of England and Wales (registration number 07078852). Harris Williams & Co. Ltd is authorized and supervised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Harris Williams & Co. Corporate Finance Advisors GmbH is registered in the Commercial Registry of the local court in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, under the number HRB 107540. The registered address is Bockenheimer Landstrasse 33-35, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (e-mail address: hwgermany@harriswilliams.com). Geschäftsführer/Director: Jeffery H. Perkins, Paul Poggi. (VAT number DE321666994). Harris Williams is the trade name under which Harris Williams LLC, Harris Williams & Co. Ltd and Harris Williams & Co. Corporate Finance Advisors GmbH conduct business.

For media inquiries: Julia Moore media@harriswilliams.com

For media inquiries: Julia Moore media@harriswilliams.com