Who Owns Stella & Chewy’s (2025)?

As of late 2025, Stella & Chewy’s is owned by Permira, a global investment firm. Permira acquired the company in November 2021 from another private equity firm, L Catterton. While ownership rests with Permira, the company continues to operate with its own leadership team and a dedication to providing high-quality, raw pet food.

Understanding Stella & Chewy’s Ownership Structure

The seemingly simple question of “who owns Stella & Chewy’s?” often leads to a deeper dive into the world of private equity, acquisitions, and the ever-evolving landscape of the pet food industry. It’s not simply a matter of pointing to an individual; it’s about understanding the layers of ownership and the implications for the brand itself. Let’s break it down.

Private Equity and Pet Food

The pet food industry is big business, and private equity firms have taken notice. These firms invest in companies with the potential for growth, often with the goal of improving operations and ultimately selling the company for a profit. In Stella & Chewy’s case, both L Catterton and Permira saw that potential. This trend reflects a larger shift in the industry, where large corporations and investment firms are increasingly dominating the market share.

The Permira Acquisition: What it Means

Permira’s acquisition of Stella & Chewy’s signals their belief in the brand’s long-term viability and potential for expansion. Permira brings significant resources and expertise to the table, which could translate to increased investment in research and development, marketing, and distribution. However, it’s important to recognize that Permira’s primary objective, like any private equity firm, is to generate returns for its investors. This can sometimes lead to changes in strategy or operations aimed at maximizing profitability.

Stella & Chewy’s Leadership and Operational Independence

Despite the change in ownership, Stella & Chewy’s maintains a degree of operational independence. The company is still led by its own management team, which is responsible for the day-to-day running of the business and maintaining the brand’s core values. This is crucial because it helps ensure that the quality and integrity of the products are maintained, even under new ownership. However, major strategic decisions are ultimately made with the input and approval of Permira.

The Future of Stella & Chewy’s Under Permira

Predicting the future is always a risky business, but we can make some informed guesses about the direction Stella & Chewy’s might take under Permira’s ownership.

• Continued Growth: Permira is likely to invest in initiatives to drive continued growth in sales and market share. This could involve expanding distribution channels, launching new products, or increasing marketing efforts.
• Operational Efficiencies: Private equity firms often focus on improving operational efficiencies to increase profitability. This could involve streamlining processes, reducing costs, or optimizing supply chain management.
• Potential Acquisition Target: While currently owned by Permira, it’s not unreasonable to speculate that Stella & Chewy’s could eventually become an acquisition target for an even larger player in the pet food industry or another private equity firm. This is a common trajectory for companies held by private equity.
• Focus on Premiumization: The pet food industry is increasingly driven by the demand for premium, high-quality products. Stella & Chewy’s is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, and Permira is likely to support efforts to further enhance the brand’s premium image.

Considerations for Consumers

So, what does all of this mean for consumers who feed Stella & Chewy’s to their pets? Here are a few key considerations:

• Product Quality: While a change in ownership can sometimes lead to concerns about product quality, Stella & Chewy’s has a strong reputation for using high-quality ingredients. It’s crucial to monitor any changes in ingredients or manufacturing processes and ensure that the food continues to meet your pet’s nutritional needs.
• Price: Private equity firms often look for ways to increase profitability, which could potentially lead to price increases. Keep an eye on pricing trends and compare Stella & Chewy’s prices with those of competing brands.
• Brand Values: It’s important to consider whether the new ownership aligns with your own values as a consumer. Do you support the business practices of the parent company? Are you comfortable with the possibility that profits may be prioritized over other considerations?

Ultimately, the ownership of Stella & Chewy’s is just one factor to consider when making decisions about your pet’s food. It’s important to do your own research, read reviews, and consult with your veterinarian to ensure that you’re making the best choice for your furry friend.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Stella & Chewy’s and its ownership:

1. When did Permira acquire Stella & Chewy’s?

Permira acquired Stella & Chewy’s in November 2021.

2. What is Permira?

Permira is a global investment firm that invests in companies across various sectors, including consumer goods, technology, and healthcare.

3. Was Stella & Chewy’s publicly traded before the acquisition?

No, Stella & Chewy’s was a privately held company prior to and after the Permira acquisition. It has never been a publicly traded company.

4. Has the quality of Stella & Chewy’s food changed since the acquisition?

While there have been no widely reported major changes in ingredients or quality, consumers are encouraged to monitor product labels and consult with their veterinarians if they have any concerns. As of late 2025, there have been no major recalls or widespread quality complaints that point to a decline in the product.

5. Will the price of Stella & Chewy’s food increase under Permira’s ownership?

It’s possible. Private equity firms often look for ways to increase profitability, which could lead to price adjustments. Consumers should compare prices with those of competing brands to ensure they are getting the best value.

6. Where is Stella & Chewy’s food manufactured?

Stella & Chewy’s food is primarily manufactured in the United States. They emphasize using responsibly sourced ingredients and maintaining high-quality manufacturing standards. Check the product packaging for the most up-to-date information on specific manufacturing locations.

7. Does Permira have experience in the pet food industry?

Permira has investments in the broader consumer goods sector, but their specific experience in the pet food industry may be limited. However, they likely have expertise in areas such as marketing, distribution, and supply chain management that are relevant to the pet food business.

8. Who was the previous owner of Stella & Chewy’s before Permira?

Prior to Permira, Stella & Chewy’s was owned by L Catterton, another private equity firm.

9. What are Stella & Chewy’s core values as a company?

Stella & Chewy’s emphasizes raw nutrition, high-quality ingredients, and responsible sourcing. They are also committed to supporting pet adoption and animal welfare initiatives.

10. How does the ownership structure affect Stella & Chewy’s employees?

The change in ownership can potentially affect employees through changes in management, company culture, or operational practices. However, Stella & Chewy’s has generally maintained a positive reputation as an employer.

11. Will Stella & Chewy’s expand its product line under Permira’s ownership?

It’s possible. Permira may invest in research and development to introduce new products and expand Stella & Chewy’s offerings.

12. Where can I find more information about Permira’s investment strategy?

You can find more information about Permira and its investment strategy on their official website. You can also search for news articles and financial reports about the company.